Medical Conditions Associated with Suicide Risk Series

This ebook offers information about Alzheimer’s disease and its association with suicide risk behaviors. Studies summarized here describe the factors that are important to consider when evaluating an Alzheimer patient’s risk of developing suicidal thoughts. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Camilla Haw, St. Andrew’s Hospital, Northampton, UK, and Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, Oxford, UK Dan Harwood, Isle of Wight NHS, St. Mary’s Hospital, Newport, Isle of Wight, UK Keith Hawton, Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, UK Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook identifies age groups that are more likely to experience depressive symptoms comorbid with asthma. The review contains a discussion of studies that explore the potential dose-response relationship between asthma severity and other negative conditions that may be risk factors for suicide. The authors examine the literature on asthma as a chronic medical condition and suicide risk, shared causal factors and potential increases in attempts by age group. Recommendations for caregivers are given at the end of the ebook. Written by: Erick Messias, M.D., Ph.D., University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, AR Diana Clarke, Ph.D., American Psychiatric Association, Arlington, VA Flora J. Or, M.H.S., Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD Renee Goodwin, Ph.D., M.P.H., Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, NY Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook discusses the significant links between epilepsy and suicide risk. Studies reviewed in this ebook reveal that certain types of epilepsy could lead to self-injurious behavior among patients. Clinicians are urged to focus on the different types and stages of epilepsy in order to better understand its relationship with suicide. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Maurizio Pompili, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook studies the relations between congestive heart failure/cardiovascular disease (CHF/CVD) and suicidal behaviors. This review of the research literature identifies the gaps in knowledge about risk factors that may lead to suicidal ideation and/or self-destructive behavior among CHF/CVD patients. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Jennifer Richman, M.D., University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY Yeates Conwell, M.D., University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, NY Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook identifies chronic conditions that are known to be highly comorbid with arthritic disorders and that can increase suicide risk. The authors explore the literature on arthritis and depressive, anxiety, and mood disorders. The ebook concludes with recommendations for caregivers regarding the specific comorbid conditions and the sex, and age groups most at risk, and describes research findings that demonstrate potential reductions in suicide risk among some population groups. Written by: Sarah Brennenstuhl, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Canada Yael Shaked, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada Esme Fuller-Thomson, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Canada Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This review explores the association between chronic pain and suicide risk factors. Patients with certain chronic pains are at a higher risk of self-injurious behavior, and other, related risk factors may add to the susceptibility of committing suicide. The authors of the ebook examine preventive measures for reducing suicidal behavior. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Renée El-Gabalawy, Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Canada Gordon J.G. Asmundson, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada Jitender Sareen, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Canada Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook offers a succinct review of suicide risks associated with renal diseases as supported by research literature. Renal disease encompasses disorders that can increase depression. Clinicians have struggled with the concept of treatment withdrawal and whether it represents suicide; a short discussion of what is known is discussed. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Reba F. Kin, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN J. Michael Bostwick, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

Individuals with HIV/AIDS may be at a high risk for suicidal behavior. This ebook provides a review of the literature on the risk factors that play a role in the development of suicidal ideation among HIV/AIDS patients. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Nina A. Cooperman, Psy.D., University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook examines the factors that link patients with Huntington disease to the development of suicidal ideation and risk behaviors. Research literature suggests that Huntington disease is associated with high risk of suicide. The authors encourage clinicians to address this issue with their patients with the disease. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Jess G. Fiedorowicz, M.D., M.S., Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Adam Ruggle, Department of Psychiatry, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Jane S. Paulsen, Ph.D., Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook examines the relation between multiple sclerosis and elevated suicide risk. Research literature summarized here suggests that those with multiple sclerosis are likely to engage in self-injurious behaviors and that clinicians should evaluate ways to provide adequate support for patients. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Linda S. Samuel, L.C.S.W., M.S.W., private practice, Washington, DC Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook discusses the presence of chronic headaches and migraines and their critical role in the emergence of suicidal ideation and behaviors. The literature reviewed here suggests that there are several risk factors which contribute to suicidal ideation and that clinicians should assess appropriate treatment options for patients with these conditions. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Farnaz Amoozegar, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Community Health Services, Canada Christine St. Germaine, M.Sc., University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Canada Werner J. Becker, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Canada Nathalie Jetté, M.D., MSc., F.R.C.P.C., University of Calgary, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Community Health Services, Canada Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook investigates the relationship between thyroid disease and suicide. Research studies have delineated the underlying mechanisms which are possibly linked to the development of mental health disorders and suicidal tendencies among patients. Clinicians are encouraged in this review to learn more about reducing the risk of suicide. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Fountoulakis N. Konstantinos, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook provides a review of studies regarding people who have suffered the loss of a limb and their risk for attempting suicide. This review suggests that, indeed, there is a possible link between limb loss and suicide. The authors discuss the importance of having clinicians understand the effect that limb loss has on the potential for development of suicidal behaviors. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Seth D. Messinger, Ph.D., Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook explores the relationship between neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s, depression, and suicide risk. It includes a review of studies that examine the groups most likely to experience suicidal ideation versus those most likely to attempt. The authors discuss potential the suicide risks associated with neurosurgical therapies, and provide suggestions for the evaluation of suicide risk in individuals with Parkinson’s. Written by: Michele Raja, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

Patients who have peptic ulcers are observed to have a strong and consistent excess risk of suicide, according to this review. The literature presented in this ebook indicates that peptic ulcers are associated with many mental disorders which may be linked to suicidal behaviors. Clinicians are urged to review suicide prevention strategies. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Sharam Bahmanyar, M.D., Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgon, Iran Christina Hultman, Ph.D., Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook discusses the risk of suicide associated with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). the research studies in this review highlight risk factors that contribute to the development of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Ellen Merete Hagen, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook highlights the misuse of prescription medications and their relationship to an increased risk of suicide. Literature reviewed here look at several types of medications and how they contribute to suicidal behaviors. This review discusses the aims of clinicians for understanding which medications are more likely to lead to suicide. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Matthew P. Lahaie, J.D., M.D., Mayo Clinic Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN Timothy W. Lineberry, M.D., Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Rochester, MN Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook discusses the suicide risks associated with breast augmentation as demonstrated by recent research studies. The authors explore the risks of suicide among patients with particular types of preoperative and postoperative expectations. The ebook describes how health-care professionals are learning about factors that result in self-destructive behavior. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: David B. Sarwer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Surgery, and The Edwin and Fannie Gray Hall Center for Human Appearance and the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia PA Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

The presence of diabetes mellitus may prompt the development of several psychiatric disorders which elevate both the passive or active incidence of ideation. Research suggests that the deteriorating quality of life for patients may result in self-injurious behavior and/or self-neglect. This ebook explores potential life-threatening situations. Practical recommendations for caregivers are included. Written by: Maurizio Pompili, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Marco Innamorati, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Paolo Girardi, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy David Lester, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, NJ Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

Failure to properly adhere to a medical regimen may place patients at risk for suicidal behaviors, according to the authors of this ebook. A considerable number of research studies in this review point to suicidal ideation and self-injurious actions as a result of non-compliance with medication usage. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Bridget E. Weller, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, NC David B. Goldston, Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, NC Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook explores the enormous risk for suicide among individuals affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research reviewed here indicates that severe brain damage and alteration in executive dysfunction may represent a compelling link with suicidal ideation. The ebook summarizes how health-care professionals are examining the forces that play an integral role in suicidal behavior. Recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Lisa Brenner, Ph.D., Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center; University of Colorado, School of Medicine, CO Peter M. Gutierrez, Ph.D., Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center; University of Colorado, School of Medicine, CO Jo Huggins, M.S.W., M.C.I.S., Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center; University of Colorado, School of Medicine, CO Jennifer Olson-Madden, Ph.D., Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 19, Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center; University of Colorado, School of Medicine, CO Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook investigates the intricate link between various types of cancer and suicide risk. Studies reviewed here reveal that there is a high prevalence of suicides among patients with specific cancer types, and that there are several factors which contribute to suicidal ideation. Practical recommendations for clinicians and caregivers are included. Written by: Lourens Schlebusch, Emeritus Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Nelson Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

The link between COPD and suicide is not a direct one, conclude the authors of this ebook, however, they provide a thorough review of the literature on the factors and chronic conditions that could elevate suicide risk among people with COPD. The authors explore the biopsychosocial surround for individuals with COPD and how these risk factors are related to mental health status. There is a discussion of current standard of care guidelines, a comprehensive review of screening tools, and other practical recommendations for clinicians and caregivers. Written by: Avila B. Steel, Ph.D., Michael E. De Bakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX; Baylor College of Medicine – Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Houston, TX Rayan K. Al Jurdi, M.D., Veterans Affairs South Central Mental Illness Research, Educational, and Clinical Center Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook investigates the role of prolactin in the development of suicidal behaviors among patients with dysmetabolism. The research, reviewed in this ebook, suggests that patients affected by hyperprolactinema might be at risk for suicide attempts. The discussion calls for health-care professionals to evaluate prolactin as a risk factor for suicide Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Gianluca Serafini, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy David Lester, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, NJ Maurizio Pompili, Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Functions, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA

This ebook examines suicide risk in association with various skin diseases. Literature reviewed here shows that certain skin diseases may prompt the development of suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors among patients. This review suggests that clinicians should understand ways to treat patients at risk of attempting suicide. Practical recommendations for caregivers are provided. Written by: Madhulika A. Gupta,M.D., F.R.C.P.C., Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada Edited by: Alan L. Berman, Ph.D., Executive Director, American Association of Suicidology, President, International Association for Suicide Prevention Maurizio Pompili, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Sant’ Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA