1. Can you help explain what might be some contributing factors for gender disparities in suicide? For racial and ethnic disparities? For differences among age groups?

2.Can you help me Consider the suicide risk and protective factors in the following scenarios. Also consider what other information a clinician may want to gather to inform his or her understanding of risk severity:

i. A 22-year-old Caucasian male was recently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and presents to his scheduled appointment with his infectious disease physician. He is very distressed about his diagnosis and reports that he plans to go home and take all of his pills in his home once he leaves the office. He has attempted suicide once before (1 month ago). He identifies one family member and a friend with whom he has a close relationship. He mentioned that he was considering going back to school to be a high school teacher.

ii. A 50-year-old African American female has a history of recurrent major depression that has generally responded to psychotherapy and anti-depressant medication. She has had thoughts of suicide during depressive episodes before; however, she has never had a plan or intent. She is currently in a major depressive episode and reports feelings of hopelessness and suicidal ideation. She called and scheduled an appointment with her primary care physician to address these symptoms and plans to take sick time to drive herself to the appointment.

iii. A 70-year-old, recently divorced, Caucasian male presents to his psychologist, reporting that he has no reason to live. Further assessment reveals that the man has been engaging in heavy alcohol and recreational drug use. His spouse had been his only source of support. He is an avid hunter and has guns in his home. His younger brother committed suicide 1 year ago.