From: Mood disorders in adults with epilepsy: a review of unrecognized facts and common misconceptions
Classification/category | Definition |
---|---|
Suicidal events Completed suicide | A self-injurious behaviour that resulted in fatality and was associated with at least some intent to die as a result of the act |
Suicide attempt | A potentially self-injurious behaviour associated with at least some intent to die due to the act. Evidence that the individual intended to kill themself, at least to some degree, can be explicit or inferred from the behaviour or circumstance. A suicide attempt may or may not result in actual injury |
Preparatory acts toward imminent suicidal behaviour | The individual takes steps to injure him- or herself but is stopped by self or others from starting the self-injurious act before the potential for harm has begun |
Suicidal ideation | Passive thoughts about wanting to be dead or active thoughts about killing oneself, not accompanied by preparatory behaviora |
Nonsuicidal events self-injurious behaviour, no suicidal intent | Self-injurious behaviour associated with no plan to die. The behaviour is intended purely for other reasons, either to relieve distress (often referred to as "self-mutilation", e.g., superficial cuts or scratches, hitting/ banging, or burns) or to effect change in others or the environment |
Other, no deliberate self-harm | No evidence of any suicidality or deliberate self-injurious behaviour associated with the event. The event is characterized as an accidental injury, psychiatric or behavioural symptoms only, or medical symptoms or procedure only |
Indeterminate or potentially suicidal events self-injurious behaviour, suicidal intent unknown | Self-injurious behaviour where associated intent to die is unknown and cannot be inferred. The injury or potential for damage is clear, but why the individual engaged in that behaviour is unclear |
Not enough information | Insufficient information to determine whether the event involved deliberate suicidal behaviour or ideation. There is reason to suspect the possibility of suicidality but not enough to be confident that the event was not something other, such as an accident or psychiatric symptom. An injury sustained on a place on the body consistent with deliberate self-harm or suicidal behaviour (e.g., wrists), with- out any information as to how the injury was received, would warrant placement in this category |