Suicide, Self-Harm, & Traumatic Stress Exposure: A Trauma-Informed Approach to the Evaluation and Management of Suicide Risk

Abstract

In accordance with Taylor & Francis policy and their ethical obligation as researchers, the authors of this paper report the following disclosures. Dr. Asarnow receives grant, research, or other support from the National Institute of Mental Health, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the American Psychological Foundation, the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Division 53 of the APA), and the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health. She has consulted on quality improvement for suicide/self-harm prevention and depression, serves on the Scientific Council of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Klingenstein Third Generation Foundation. Drs. Asarnow, Goldston, Tunno, and Inscoe receive funding from a SAMHSA UCLA-Duke National Child Traumatic Stress Network Center grant, the purpose of which is to train, implement, and disseminate the intervention described in this report. There are no commercial conflicts of interest. Drs. Pynoos and Tunno receive funding from the National Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network, SAMHSA. Lastly, Dr. Robert Pynoos is the Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health Innovations, LLC, which licenses and receives payment for the use of the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index for DSM-5.

Figure 1.

Key steps and considerations in trauma-informed care for youths presenting with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm.

Figure 2.

Brianna’s Feeling Thermometer

Figure 3.

Brianna’s Safety Plan