A 55-year-old female jumped out of a second-story window and injured her right leg. She tells you she is depressed and that there is no hope for her. She recently lost her job, and her husband left her. You should suspect that she is:

• A. Schizophrenic.
• B. Looking for attention.
• C. Suicidal.
• D. Delusional.

Answer: (C)

Recognizing suicidality in a patient with depressive symptoms and recent life crises. Her statement of hopelessness, along with mood disturbance after losing her job and her husband leaving, signals a high risk for self-harm, and the act of jumping from a height is a concrete self-harm attempt showing clear intent to die. This combination makes suicidality the most likely concern and requires immediate safety measures and urgent psychiatric evaluation. Schizophrenia or delusional disorder would involve distinct psychotic features not described here, and assuming attention-seeking would miss the real danger demonstrated by the attempt. In the field, treat as high risk: ensure safety, monitor closely, and transport for urgent evaluation.