What is the characteristic of a 'suicide attempt'?

A suicide attempt is characterized as a self-injurious behavior carried out with the intention to die. This definition is essential for distinguishing a suicide attempt from other forms of self-harm that may not be driven by a desire to end one's life. In this context, the motivation plays a crucial role; the individual taking this action typically experiences overwhelming distress or hopelessness, leading them to seek death as a perceived solution to their struggles.

When evaluating this definition, it becomes clear how this understanding guides interventions and support for individuals at risk. Recognizing that the self-injurious behavior is directly associated with a desire to die helps healthcare providers tailor their responses—prioritizing safety and developing a plan to manage the immediate risk and address underlying mental health issues.

Other options describe behaviors or outcomes that do not align with this critical distinction. For instance, actions with no intention to die do not reflect the mindset of someone considering suicide and thus are not categorized as attempts. A self-injurious act with a fatal outcome is a completed suicide rather than an attempt. Lastly, a failed attempt at self-inflicted harm may describe the result of an action but lacks the essential intention behind a suicide attempt. Thus, the defining characteristic is the intent to die which is encaps