Overview
Thoughts about ending one’s life, ranging from passive wishes not to live to active thoughts of suicide with or without planning.
Diagnostic criteria overview
- Criterion A: Recurrent thoughts about death, dying, or suicide Criterion B: Thoughts may include passive wishes to be dead or active consideration of suicide Criterion C: Associated distress or impairment in social, academic, or family functioning
Symptoms
- Expressing thoughts about wanting to die or not wanting to live
- Talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden
- Preoccupation with death or suicide
- Withdrawal from social or previously valued activities
Impact on functioning
- Reduced concentration and engagement in school activities
- Social withdrawal and reduced peer interaction
- Increased family concern and need for supervision
- Heightened safeguarding and risk management requirements
- Potential escalation to self-harm or suicide attempts without appropriate intervention