Depression, Acquired Capability for Suicide, and Attempted Suicide.

OBJECTIVE: The study sought to replicate, with a community sample and different measures of the critical variables, the finding of Chu et al. (Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2016, 40, 22) in a military sample that suicide attempts were more frequent for those reporting higher numbers of depressive episodes if acquired capability for suicide (ACS) was also high. METHOD: An online survey (N = 251) collected data on episodes and severity of depression, number of suicide attempts, and a questionnaire measure of ACS. RESULTS: The interaction effect reported by Chu et al. (Cognitive Therapy and Research, 2016, 40, 22) was replicated, but depended on using the Fearlessness of Death component of ACS and the number and not the severity of depressive episodes. CONCLUSION: The moderating effect of ACS on the relation between depression and suicide attempts can be demonstrated beyond a military and predominately male sample. Limitations of the study are noted.

Towards a national strategy for managing fixated persons in Australia.

Pathological fixations targeting public figures such as politicians can lead to harassment or stalking and result in distress, disruption and dignity issues, potentially placing public figures, their staff and their families at risk of serious harm. Fixated individuals often suffer from mental health issues and may cause harm to themselves and others if untreated. In both the United Kingdom (UK) and Queensland, Australia, units that assess, manage and mitigate threats posed by fixated individuals have successfully employed a joint approach between police and mental health professionals to identify individuals who raise significant concerns. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) set up a unit in 2016 with a national remit to assess and manage harassing behaviour towards Australian Commonwealth High Office Holders. The first year of operational outcomes shows that whilst such units can be effective at managing fixated behaviour, there are challenges in doing so across multiple health and policing jurisdictions.