What is a key focus when assessing lethality in suicide attempts?

When assessing lethality in suicide attempts, the method used and its potential lethality is a crucial focus because it provides insight into the seriousness of the attempt and the likelihood of death. Different methods of suicide vary significantly in their potential to cause fatal outcomes. For instance, using a firearm or hanging generally carries a higher risk of lethality compared to methods like overdosing on non-lethal substances. Evaluating the method helps clinicians gauge how imminent the danger is, which is essential for determining the appropriate level of care and intervention needed for the individual.

Other aspects, such as mental health history or the presence of family support, while important in a comprehensive assessment, do not directly address the immediate risk posed by the method of the suicide attempt. The time of day the attempt occurred may not offer relevant information about the lethality or the risk involved in the suicide attempt itself. Hence, focusing on the potential lethality of the chosen method is a primary concern in effectively assessing suicide risk.