What is meant by "suicide contagion," and how does it relate to C-SSRS?

Suicide contagion refers to the phenomenon where the suicide of one individual influences others, particularly within the same community or social network, leading to an increase in suicide behaviors among individuals who may be vulnerable. This is especially pertinent in the context of youth and can be exacerbated by factors such as media coverage or social media interactions.

The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is an important tool in assessing suicide risk, and understanding the concept of suicide contagion is critical when deploying this assessment. When using the C-SSRS, clinicians must take into consideration not only the individual’s suicidal thoughts and behaviors but also the social and environmental factors that could influence these feelings. For instance, if an individual has been exposed to a recent suicide in their community, clinicians using C-SSRS can assess whether this may have affected the individual's own thoughts about suicide, potentially impacting risk levels.

The importance of recognizing suicide contagion in the context of C-SSRS underscores the need for comprehensive risk assessment, considering both individual risk factors and broader community dynamics. Understanding how one suicide can affect others helps inform interventions and supports that may be necessary to mitigate these risks within at-risk populations.