A Stress Diathesis Model
• Stressors include an acute psychiatric illness such
as a major depressive episode or psychosocial
crisis.
• The stressor is not enough. There must be a
diathesis or predisposition.
• Components of the diathesis include impulsivity,
hopelessness or pessimism and intent.
• The best clinical clue to the presence of a diathesis
is a history of a suicide attempt.