Suicide Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention in Eating Disorder Treatment

Presented By Margot Rittenhouse, MS, LPCC
Director of Clinical Services

Abstract:
There are over 30,000 deaths by suicide each year. Eating disorders have the second highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder. Treating patients with both an eating disorder and risk for suicide can be challenging for clinicians. This presentation breaks down the process of caring for patients with suicidal ideation. We will begin with basic epidemiological information on suicide in adults, children, and adolescents and discuss recent trends. We will review data on death by suicide in patients with eating disorders. Next, we’ll discuss how to take a risk assessment for suicide. After we discuss and practice making suicide risk assessments, we will explore specific therapeutic interventions, including means restriction, collaborative assessment, suicide management, and dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as pharmacological and neuromodulation interventions. Additionally, we will explore the role of hospitalization. Finally, we will discuss the aftermath of a patient’s death by suicide, including phone calls with family members and risk management considerations.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn to complete a thorough suicide assessment that gives the clinician an idea of risk and places to intervene.
2. Understand how to create a treatment plan using pharmacological interventions, specific therapeutic modalities, structuring of environment, neuromodulation treatments, and when to seek a higher level of care for suicide risk.
3. Discuss ways to support both individual clinicians and organizations if a patient dies by suicide.

Agenda:
9:00 – 9:10 am PST- Welcome
9:10 – 10:10 am PST- Presentation
10:10 – 10:30 am PST- Optional Q&A

We are offering 1 CE hour through APA, CDR, and NBCC for live attendance.