AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF SUICIDAL IDEATION AND SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIORS IN YOUTH

Abstract

Depression is the most common yet ignored public health issues in Pakistan. The prevalence is uncommon among children but vastly evident during adolescence. Unhealthy parenting practices and childhood trauma directly contributes towards depressive disorders and suicidal ideation later in life if left unresolved. A similar case of 17 years old was referred with her presenting complaints of: sadness, irritability, crying spells, suicidal ideation, self-harm, negative thinking, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, sleeplessness, psychomotor agitation, fatigue, lack of concentration, feelings of rejection and worthlessness for a year. The formal assessment was done by using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Based upon the assessment, the client was provisionally diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder 296.23. A management plan includes ABC model, Cognitive distortions, Double column technique, Triple column technique and Relapse prevention. For the management of the suicidal thoughts/ ideation, strengthening of familial support, creating supportive environment, ensuring protective environment, reducing access to objects, substance or any means that could be lethal danger to life, promoting connectedness. A total number of sessions conducted with the client were 12 and the change was 35%.

Keywords: Suicidal Ideation, Self-Injurious Behavior, Adolescence, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Efficacy