Characteristics And Behaviors Associated With A Risk Of Violence Or Suicide

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Characteristics And Behaviors Associated With
A Risk Of Violence Or Suicide

Characteristics And Behaviors Associated With A Risk Of Violence Or Suicide

Revised: December 02, 2003

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The following is a list of behaviors and characteristics that are associated with violence and suicide. The list is not a test and it is not for diagnostic purposes, to identify or rule out a risk. The purpose of the list is to help describe additional issues or potential concerns to a therapist or counselor. A significant number of these could mean the person has or has had suicidal or violent thoughts.

Expects without sufficient basis to be exploited or harmed by others
Reads hidden demeaning or threatening meanings into benign remarks or events
Reluctant to confide in others
Easily slighted or quick to react with anger or to counterattack
Has no close friends or confidants
Rarely reciprocates gestures or facial expressions such as smiles or nods
Odd or strange beliefs
Unrealistic or implausible ideas regarding relationships between others or events
Strange emotional responses to the situations, topics or purpose of discussions
Often late or absent from responsibilities or work without good reason
Often lies or is conning for profit or pleasure
Unable to sustain consistent employment due to abandonment of job, repeated absences or conflict
Repeatedly fails to honor financial responsibilities
Reckless in behavior (driving, drinking, spending, associations)
Gross and repeated lack of ability to function responsibly or as a responsible parent
Lacks remorse or feels justified to mistreat or hurt others
Unstable and intense relationships characterized by extremes of idealization or devaluation
Rapidly shifting mood that seems unstable
Frequent displays of temper or anger
Frantic efforts to avoid real or imagined abandonment by others
Displays shallow expressions of emotion
Is self-centered in which behavior is focused on obtaining attention with no tolerance for frustration
Style of speech is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail to support impressions
Reacts to criticism with feelings of intense shame, rage or humiliation
Grandiose sense of importance
Expects to be noticed as special without appropriate achievement
Unable to see other perspectives
Unwarranted sense of entitlement
Requires constant attention and admiration
The impact of their behavior on others is not important
Responds with rage and anger when their point of view is not accepted
Excessive efforts to persuade others
Avoids social or interpersonal activities
Reticent in social situation
Fears showing signs of embarrassment

http://www.oregoncounseling.org/Handouts/ViolenceCharacteristics.htm

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