Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Suicide physical examination
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Physical examination should be focussed towards vital signs, level of consciousness and orientation, manifestations of toxidromes, signs of recent or remote suicide attempts, scars from cutting, bruises from hanging, signs of Physical or sexual abuse, characteristic bruising patterns or genital trauma, signs of substance abuse, track marks from intravenous drug use, nosebleeds or perioral blisters from inhalant use and signs of hyperthyroidism.
Physical examination
Physical examination
- Physical examination should be focussed towards:[1]
- Vital signs
- Level of consciousness and orientation
- Manifestations of toxidromes
- Signs of recent or remote suicide attempts
- Scars from cutting
- Bruises from hanging)
- Signs of Physical or sexual abuse
- Characteristic bruising patterns or genital trauma
- Signs ofsubstance abuse
- Track marks from intravenous drug use
- Nosebleeds or perioral blisters from inhalant use
- Signs of hperthyroidism
- A mental status examination should be done with consideartion of following components:[1]
- Appearance
- Attitude
- Behavior
- Motor functioning
- Attention
- Concentration
- Orientation
- Memory
- Affect
- Speech
- Language
- Suicidal and homicidal ideation, plan, and intent
- Thought content
- Thought process
- Perception
- Intellectual functioning
- Judgement
- Insight
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]