SUICIDE IN TBI
Presented by: Martin Waalkes, PhD, ABPP, CBIST
Suicide rates have been increasing nationally and worldwide over the last 60 years, and even further in the last 20 years. Persons with brain injury demonstrate suicide behavior at higher rates than the general population likely due to higher rates of distressing symptoms and the nature of impairments of cognitive and psychiatric functioning specific to TBI.
Screening and individualized assessment identifying risk factors and related features of suicide behavior are an important part of identifying persons at risk. Several evidenced-based treatments are available and easily adapted for persons with TBI for effective intervention treating suicidal ideation and other suicide behavior. Systematic organizational initiatives further enhance response to suicide prevention as a community need.
Screening and individualized assessment identifying risk factors and related features of suicide behavior are an important part of identifying persons at risk. Several evidenced-based treatments are available and easily adapted for persons with TBI for effective intervention treating suicidal ideation and other suicide behavior. Systematic organizational initiatives further enhance response to suicide prevention as a community need.