Topic module

Depression, Self-harm and Suicide Risk

Assess mood, immediate risk, protective factors, capacity and the need for urgent mental-health intervention.

Long-form learning

Concept to Risk to Memory to Check-up

Practise recognising the immediate clinical task, ruling in or out dangerous alternatives, choosing the safest next step and closing the loop.

Core concepts

Concept 1

Suicide risk assessment is a collaborative formulation, not a score or one denial of intent.

Exam cue: Ask directly about thoughts, intent, plans, means, past acts and protective factors.

Concept 2

Immediate safety, physical consequences and access to support must be addressed before routine follow-up.

Exam cue: Link the risk formulation to a proportionate safety plan and escalation.

Risk pitfalls and guardrails

Assuming a patient is safe because they deny current intent.

Guardrail: Avoid an option that names a plausible diagnosis but ignores physiology, contraindications, competence, patient priorities or follow-up.

Using a risk tool as a substitute for clinical assessment.

Guardrail: Avoid an option that names a plausible diagnosis but ignores physiology, contraindications, competence, patient priorities or follow-up.

Memory anchors

What belongs in suicide-risk assessment?

Current thoughts, intent, plan, means, history, mental state, substances, stressors and protective factors.

What follows self-harm presentation?

Treat physical injury, assess mental state and safeguarding, formulate risk and arrange safe follow-up.

What is a safety plan?

Warning signs, coping steps, supportive contacts, crisis routes and restriction of access to means.

When is urgent escalation needed?

Immediate intent, severe mental illness, inability to maintain safety or serious physical risk.

How should depression treatment be selected?

Severity, duration, preference, comorbidity, risk, previous response and current guidance.

Checkpoint rule

Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.

Knowledge Check (after reading)

Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.

1-2 question checkpoint

A patient with depression says, “My family would be better without me.” What should the doctor do?

A patient has taken an overdose and is drowsy. What is the first priority?

Answer all questions to submit.

Next step personalized recommendations

Move forward only after this module is stable.

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