29th January 2024

A 42-year-old female presents to her GP complaining of symptoms that suggest a depressive episode

A 42-year-old female presents to her GP complaining of symptoms that suggest a depressive episode. She is concerned about her mood and worries that she may do something to harm herself. She denies any past episodes of self-harm.

She has recently divorced her husband and is new in town. She does not feel that she has made many friends since moving. She works 4 days per week as an optometrist and enjoyed her job prior to this episode of low mood. She has a single glass of wine most nights when she gets home from work but feels this is more out of habit than craving. She smokes a pack of cigarettes per day and denies recreational drug use.

She has no past medical history of note and had 2 uncomplicated pregnancies. Her children are both at university.

Which of the following suggests an increased risk for self-harm in this patient?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.