Psychiatric Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates a high intensity of risk for assessing suicidal ideation?

1. Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness

2. Frequent mood swings

3. Poor appetite

4. Social withdrawal

The correct answer is: Feelings of hopelessness/helplessness

Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness are significant indicators of a high intensity of risk when assessing suicidal ideation. These feelings often suggest a deep emotional pain and a belief that there is no way out of a situation or no hope for improvement. Individuals experiencing these feelings may perceive their circumstances as unchangeable and overwhelming, which can lead to an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions. In contrast, while frequent mood swings, poor appetite, and social withdrawal can be associated with mental health issues and may contribute to feelings of distress, they do not inherently indicate the same level of imminent danger as hopelessness and helplessness do. Mood swings can be a part of mood disorders but do not directly correlate with suicidal risk at the same intensity. Similarly, poor appetite and social withdrawal are symptoms that may appear in various conditions but do not provide the same urgent warning signal about a person's state of mind regarding their future outlook and sense of agency.