Which level of suicide lethality includes 'intent, lethal plan, and available means'?

• A. Moderate
• B. Moderate-high
• C. High
• D. Low

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that high lethality in suicide risk assessment rests on three critical elements: intent to die, a specific lethal plan, and access to the means to carry it out. When a person expresses a clear wish to die, outlines a concrete plan to do so, and has the means available, the risk is at its most immediate level because each component reinforces the likelihood of action. If any one of these elements is missing, the level of lethality would be lower—for example, intent without a plan or means, or a plan without assured intent. A level described as moderate-high might involve substantial risk with a defined plan and means, but not the full immediacy or certainty that comes with all three elements present. So the combination of explicit intent, a lethal plan, and available means best corresponds to the highest, or high, lethality category.