## Suicide Risk Assessment: Static vs Dynamic Risk Factors **Key Point:** Static risk factors are demographic and historical features that do not change and predict long-term suicide risk. Dynamic risk factors are modifiable and fluctuate over time, predicting imminent risk. ### Static Risk Factors (Unchangeable) | Factor | Details | |--------|----------| | **Demographics** | Male gender, age >45 years (especially >65), widowed/divorced/single status | | **Psychiatric history** | Previous suicide attempts, family history of suicide, psychiatric diagnosis (especially depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia) | | **Psychosocial** | Social isolation, unemployment, chronic medical illness, substance abuse history | | **Personality** | Impulsivity, aggression, hopelessness as a trait | ### Dynamic Risk Factors (Modifiable, Predict Imminent Risk) - Recent onset or worsening of depressive symptoms - Acute suicidal ideation and intent - Access to means (firearms, pesticides, medications) - Recent loss or interpersonal conflict - Intoxication or substance use - Acute psychosis or command hallucinations - Agitation, anxiety, insomnia **High-Yield:** The distinction between static and dynamic factors is crucial for clinical assessment. Static factors identify **who is at risk over time**; dynamic factors identify **who is at imminent risk right now**. **Clinical Pearl:** Recent onset of depressive symptoms (within 2 weeks) is a **dynamic risk factor** that reflects acute change and imminent suicide risk, not a static predictor. Static factors are historical and unchanging (e.g., "previous attempts" = static; "current suicidal intent" = dynamic). **Warning:** Do not confuse "recent onset" with static history. The question asks for what is NOT a static risk factor — recent symptom onset is a dynamic (modifiable, time-sensitive) factor, making it the correct answer.
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