Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

Suicide causes around 800,000 deaths worldwide each year. What is further worrying is the fact that for each suicide there are about 20 suicide attempts. It is a global phenomenon, although a higher rate has been observed in low- and middle-income countries. The risk factors are many: among these there is also stigma, associated to shame, hopelessness and a sense of exclusion from society. Attempted suicide is one of the most relevant psychiatric emergencies, sometimes combined to a medical-surgical one, so that the rescuer may be faced with different scenarios depending on the self-injurious act. The Emergency Department is the place where 80% of cases are referred to, therefore it represents the privileged place for their interception and screening. After the first stages of care and referring for psychiatric consultation, hospitalization in a psychiatric environment can be considered necessary, where, thanks to a multi-professional team, the patient is taken in charge and a link with the Community Mental Health Center is established, to allow continuation of care after discharge. The continuity of care is also made possible by the Case Manager nurse, who acts as the source of information and contact between the CSM and the patient, but is also the person on whom the patient and family can rely. A good therapeutic relationship between nurses and caregivers during hospitalization and during territorial care, together with the identification of protective factors, are among the most essential prevention strategies. The present thesis aims to turn a spotlight on suicide as a socio-health problem. It is essential not to underestimate the risk factors and signs that may lead to suspicion of suicidal behavior or ideation. It is important to implement a prevention program through global strategies, but also more specific territorial strategies.