Assessing Self-Harm & Overdose in Clinical Practice

In this episode, we discuss how to approach suicide risk assessment and overdose history taking in a structured, sensitive and clinically safe way.This episode is intended for medical students and healthcare professionals learning how to assess risk and conduct these conversations appropriately in OSCE exams and clinical practice.We cover:• How to structure an overdose history (before, during, after)• Exploring intent, planning and impulsivity• Assessing mood, hopelessness and protective factors• Psychotic symptoms and suicide risk• Social stressors and forensic history• Substance use in context• Physical symptoms following overdose• Risk factors vs protective factors• How to stratify risk safely• A full example OSCE-style patient scenarioThis is an educational discussion designed to support safe clinical practice.If you are personally struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please seek professional support or contact local emergency services.