What is a major risk factor for a successful suicide attempt?

What is a major risk factor for a successful suicide attempt?

• A. Easy access to lethal means
• B. Depression
• C. Social isolation
• D. Substance abuse

Answer: (A)

Having easy access to lethal means increases the probability that suicidal intent translates into a fatal outcome, because highly lethal methods (like firearms) have high fatality rates. This makes access to means a strong predictor of completion, whereas depression, social isolation, and substance use raise risk for ideation and attempts but do not by themselves guarantee a fatal outcome. Therefore, reducing access to lethal means—such as safe firearm storage, securing medications, and removing other readily available lethal options—is a crucial preventive step to lower the chance that a distress-driven impulse ends in death.

Having easy access to lethal means increases the probability that suicidal intent translates into a fatal outcome, because highly lethal methods (like firearms) have high fatality rates. This makes access to means a strong predictor of completion, whereas depression, social isolation, and substance use raise risk for ideation and attempts but do not by themselves guarantee a fatal outcome. Therefore, reducing access to lethal means—such as safe firearm storage, securing medications, and removing other readily available lethal options—is a crucial preventive step to lower the chance that a distress-driven impulse ends in death.