Yearning to be heard: What veterans teach us about suicide risk and effective interventions. Montross Thomas, Lori P.; Palinkas, Lawrence A.; Meier, Emily A.; Iglewicz, Alana; Kirkland, Tabitha; Zisook, Sidney Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, Vol 35(3), 2014, 161-167. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000247 Abstract Background: Patients with serious mental illness can be at higher risk for suicide. Most research has focused on determining the risk factors for suicide-related events using quantitative methodologies and psychological autopsies. However, fewer studies have examined patients’ perspectives regarding the experience of suicidal events. Aims: To better understand suicide experiences from the perspective of patients diagnosed with serious mental illness. Method: This study purposively sampled and qualitatively interviewed 23 patients within the Veterans Affairs Hospital who were diagnosed with serious mental illness and who had attempted suicide. Using a phenomenological design, hermeneutic interviews included questions about the precursors, characteristics, and treatment of the suicide events, as well as patients’ recommendations for care. Results: Loneliness, isolation, depression, and hopelessness were commonly described as emotional precursors to the suicide events for all patients, while command hallucinations were reported among patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. When evaluating whether treatments were effective, patients focused primarily on the level of empathy and compassion shown by their providers. Conclusion: The most common recommendation for the improvement of care was to increase clinicians’ empathy, compassion, and listening skills. Additionally, efforts to bolster social supports were highlighted as a means to diminish suicide events. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved)
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 16:46:15 +0000