In the context of diagnosing psychological disorders, which patient is least likely to be in danger of committing suicide?

• A. A patient with a history of previous suicide attempts and current feelings of hopelessness
• B. A patient experiencing severe depression with frequent thoughts of death and social isolation
• C. A patient recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital after a severe depressive episode
• D. A patient with mild depression who has strong social support and no history of suicide attempts

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the risk factors for suicide in psychological disorders, which commonly include previous suicide attempts, feelings of hopelessness, severe depression, social isolation, and recent psychiatric hospitalization.
2. Step 2: Analyze each patient's profile by identifying the presence or absence of these risk factors. For example, a history of previous attempts and hopelessness increases risk, as does severe depression with social isolation.
3. Step 3: Recognize protective factors that reduce suicide risk, such as mild depression severity, strong social support, and no history of suicide attempts.
4. Step 4: Compare the patients based on these risk and protective factors to determine who is least likely to be in danger of committing suicide.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the patient with mild depression, strong social support, and no history of suicide attempts is least likely to be at risk, as these factors mitigate the common risks associated with suicide.