Suicide Risk

Suicide risk assessment is a core NP competency requiring understanding of both neurobiological underpinnings and validated assessment frameworks. Neurobiologically, suicidal behavior is associated with: (1) Serotonergic dysfunction — reduced serotonin metabolite (5-HIAA) in CSF of suicide attempters; low serotonin is associated with impulsivity and aggression rather than depression per se (explaining why not all depressed patients are suicidal). (2) HPA axis dysregulation — chronically elevated cortisol from stress sensitization impairs prefrontal cortex executive function, reducing the ability to generate alternatives to suicide. (3) Neuroinflammation — elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha) are found in suicidal patients; inflammation may impair serotonin synthesis via tryptophan-kynurenine pathway shunting. The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a structured interview that categorizes suicidal ideation on a 5-point scale: (1) Wish to be dead, (2) Non-specific active suicidal thoughts ('I want to kill myself' without method), (3) Active suicidal ideation with any methods (not a specific plan), (4) Active suicidal ideation with some intent to act (without specific plan), (5) Active suicidal ideation with specific plan and intent. It also separately categorizes suicidal BEHAVIOR: actual attempt,...