What term describes self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome accompanied by explicit or implicit evidence that the person intended to die?

The term that describes self-injurious behavior with a nonfatal outcome, along with evidence that the person intended to die, is a suicide attempt. This classification is crucial in understanding the seriousness of self-injurious behavior, as it indicates not just the act of self-harm but a clear intent behind it aimed at ending one’s life, regardless of the outcome.

Distinguishing between a suicide attempt and other forms of self-harm is important in clinical assessments and treatment plans. A suicide attempt typically involves actions that are intended to result in death and reflects significant psychological distress. This understanding helps professionals gauge the level of risk a patient may be facing, guiding them in providing appropriate interventions.

Other terms listed such as aborted suicide attempt or deliberate self-harm, address related concepts but do not adequately capture the intent behind the behavior. An aborted suicide attempt refers to situations where a person might have intended to end their life but did not follow through to completion, while deliberate self-harm may not involve any intention to die at all, focusing instead on coping mechanisms or emotional regulation. Suicidal intent, while related to the concept, denotes the individual’s mindset rather than the act itself.

Recognizing what constitutes a suicide attempt is vital in suicide prevention efforts