What is considered the most important risk factor for suicide?

What is considered the most important risk factor for suicide?

• A. Age over 60
• B. Depression
• C. Substance abuse
• D. History of previous suicide attempt

Answer: (C)

A history of previous suicide attempts is the most important single risk factor for suicide. It directly signals that the person has carried out lethal self-harm or has seriously considered it in the past, which strongly predicts future risk. While depression, substance use, and older age all raise risk, none are as powerful on their own as having a prior attempt, which consistently shows up as the strongest predictor across studies. This is why clinical risk assessments place high emphasis on past attempts: they indicate underlying distress, plan, and access to means that elevate the likelihood of future harm.

A history of previous suicide attempts is the most important single risk factor for suicide. It directly signals that the person has carried out lethal self-harm or has seriously considered it in the past, which strongly predicts future risk. While depression, substance use, and older age all raise risk, none are as powerful on their own as having a prior attempt, which consistently shows up as the strongest predictor across studies. This is why clinical risk assessments place high emphasis on past attempts: they indicate underlying distress, plan, and access to means that elevate the likelihood of future harm.