Neurological diseases and risk of suicide attempt: a case–control study

Treatment of Depression in Adolescents With Myasthenia Gravis

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder in which, most commonly, there is a production of autoantibodies against the nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors at the neuromuscular junction, resulting in skeletal muscle weakness. For pediatric patients, literature addressing the psychiatric implications of MG and suitable treatment options for individuals with concurrent psychiatric illnesses is scarce. In this case report, an adolescent with MG and comorbid depression was treated following a suicide attempt via self-poisoning. The patient experienced an improvement of depressive symptoms upon initiating fluoxetine, despite concerns raised by previous studies suggesting that fluoxetine might block acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction with varying degrees of affinity, potentially worsening MG symptoms. In this case, our patient exhibited sustained control of her MG symptoms without exacerbation once she was started on fluoxetine. This case highlights the value of further investigation into the safety and efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the management of depression among pediatric patients with MG.

Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in Individuals With Parkinson Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Importance

Suicide risk may be increased in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), a common neurodegenerative condition. Mood disorders, especially depression, are prevalent in patients with PD who report suicidality.

Objective

To address inconsistent results from studies of suicidal ideation and behavior in patients with PD.

Data Sources

The study team searched MEDLINE and Embase from inception to June 14, 2023, and further screened the bibliographies of relevant studies to ensure a comprehensive search.

Study Selection

Original studies, published in English, discussing either suicidal ideation, behavior, or both in adults with PD were included. Accepted study designs included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Studies that only included patients with PD after deep brain stimulation were excluded.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

This meta-analysis was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors reviewed each study and extracted the data independently, with discrepancies referred to a third independent author.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcomes included the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior, measured as proportions, and the risk of suicidal behavior in patients with PD relative to controls, measured in both odds ratio (OR) and hazards ratio (HR).

Results

A total of 28 studies comprising 505 950 PD patients were included in the final analysis. The prevalence of suicidal ideation was evaluated in 14 studies (22.2%; 95% CI, 14.6-32.3) and suicidal behavior in 21 studies (1.25%; 95% CI, 0.64-2.41). Excluding 4 outliers, prevalence of suicidal behavior was significantly higher in prospective studies (1.75%; 95% CI, 1.03-2.95) than retrospective studies (0.50%; 95% CI, 0.24-1.01). Excluding 1 outlier, OR of suicidal behavior was pooled across 10 studies and significant (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.22-3.78; P = .01). HR of suicidal behavior was assessed in 9 studies (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.40-2.14; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

This meta-analysis involving more than 500 000 patients with PD found 22.2% and 1.25% of patients with PD to have suicidal ideation and behavior, respectively. Patients with PD had 2 times the risk of suicidal behavior than controls. Early recognition and management of suicidality in PD can help reduce mortality.

Mood and Anxiety Disorders and Suicidality in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Focal Epilepsy: An Analysis of a Complex Comorbidity

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Mood, anxiety disorders, and suicidality are more frequent in people with epilepsy than in the general population. Yet, their prevalence and the types of mood and anxiety disorders associated with suicidality at the time of the epilepsy diagnosis are not established. We sought to answer these questions in patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy and to assess their association with suicidal ideation and attempts.

METHODS

The data were derived from the Human Epilepsy Project study. A total of 347 consecutive adults aged 18-60 years with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy were enrolled within 4 months of starting treatment. The types of mood and anxiety disorders were identified with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, whereas suicidal ideation (lifetime, current, active, and passive) and suicidal attempts (lifetime and current) were established with the Columbia Suicidality Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS). Statistical analyses included the t test, χ2 statistics, and logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 151 (43.5%) patients had a psychiatric diagnosis; 134 (38.6%) met the criteria for a mood and/or anxiety disorder, and 75 (21.6%) reported suicidal ideation with or without attempts. Mood (23.6%) and anxiety (27.4%) disorders had comparable prevalence rates, whereas both disorders occurred together in 43 patients (12.4%). Major depressive disorders (MDDs) had a slightly higher prevalence than bipolar disorders (BPDs) (9.5% vs 6.9%, respectively). Explanatory variables of suicidality included MDD, BPD, panic disorders, and agoraphobia, with BPD and panic disorders being the strongest variables, particularly for active suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts.

DISCUSSION

In patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy, the prevalence of mood, anxiety disorders, and suicidality is higher than in the general population and comparable to those of patients with established epilepsy. Their recognition at the time of the initial epilepsy evaluation is of the essence.

Discrimination and social stigma against people with mental illnesses in Argentina

BACKGROUND

Individuals with mental and neurological illnesses face stigma and discrimination every day. There are only a few studies regarding the degree of discrimination in the comparison between the illnesses, and no recent research has been found in Argentina about this topic.

AIMS

The aim of this research is to study and compare stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illnesses (schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and bipolar disorder) and with neurological disorders (epilepsy) in Argentina, while analyzing the social distance toward them. The level of responsibility attributed to individuals with these disorders were also assessed and compared.

METHOD

Individuals from Buenos Aires, Argentina, were surveyed in order to measure the social distance given to people with mental illnesses and a neurological disease. For that purpose a modified version of the Bogardus scale was used, with a sample of 500 individuals contacted online in January 2021.

RESULTS

Social distance toward people with mental illnesses was higher than those with a neurological disorder (epilepsy). A significant difference was found in the level of responsibility attributed to people with substance use disorder in comparison to the other illnesses. On the contrary, there were no significant differences of discrimination according to age or sex. Finally, the research outcomes showed that people with substance use disorder are the most discriminated against and stigmatized.

CONCLUSION

A significant level of discrimination was found against individuals with mental disorders and, specially, toward people with substance use disorder. Moreover, they are perceived as responsible for their disorder. For this reason, anti-stigma campaigns should be directed to end the misconceptions toward the most discriminated groups. More support is needed to counteract the stigmatization and exclusion of individuals with mental and neurological disorders in our society.

Occurrence and Severity of Suicidal Ideation in Adults With Neurofibromatosis Participating in a Mind-Body RCT

BACKGROUND

Emotional distress can lead to suicidal ideation and potentially suicide completion, yet there is very little literature on suicidal ideation in individuals with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis (NF; NF1, NF2, and schwannomatosis).

OBJECTIVE

To examine the baseline occurrence, severity, and clinical correlates of suicidal ideation in adults with NF.

METHOD

Individuals with NF (N = 220) completed assessments measuring depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10), pain (Graded Chronic Pain Scale and PROMIS Pain Interference Short Form 8a), and general quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief version) before beginning a two-arm, single-blind randomized control trial of a live-video mind-body program for stress management and resiliency.

RESULTS

Nineteen percent (n = 42) of the individuals experienced suicidal ideation (ie, >0; ideation present several days or greater). More individuals with NF2 experienced suicidal ideation compared with those with NF1 or schwannomatosis. All of the clinical variables except pain intensity were significantly correlated ( P < 0.01) with greater suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation in individuals with NF was comparable to or higher than that in other medical populations (eg, cancer, dermatological, neurologic). Depression and poor psychological quality of life significantly increased the risk for suicidal ideation.

CONCLUSION

Suicidal ideation was relatively prevalent in individuals with NF seeking participation in a mind-body randomized controlled trial. NF clinicians should be prepared to discuss these concerns and provide resources when suicidal ideation is present.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier NCT03406208).

Do patients diagnosed with a neurological disease present increased risk of suicide?

INTRODUCTION

Neurological diseases are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Physical and psychological pain, despair, and disconnection with the environment are observed after the diagnosis of numerous neurological processes, particularly neurodegenerative diseases.

DEVELOPMENT

A higher risk of suicide is observed in patients with such common neurological diseases as epilepsy, migraine, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in those with such degenerative disorders as Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. In most cases, suicidal ideation appears in the early stages after diagnosis, in the presence of disabling symptoms, and/or in patients with psychiatric comorbidities (often associated with these neurological diseases).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective suicide prevention in this population group requires assessment of the risk of suicide mainly in newly diagnosed patients, in patients showing unmistakable despair or disabling symptoms, and in patients presenting psychiatric comorbidities (especially depressive symptoms). It is essential to train specialists to detect warning signs in order that they may adopt a suitable approach and determine when psychiatric assessment is required.

Suicidality and epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

We aimed to evaluate the association between epilepsy and suicidality, including suicidal ideation, attempts and completed suicide.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Online Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from 1946 to June 21, 2021 and assessed the quality of the studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We calculated the pooled OR and the crude rate for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicide in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

Results

We screened 2,786 studies and included 88 articles with 1,178,401 PWE and 6,900,657 participants as controls. Search terms included epilepsy and suicide. The pooled rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicide in PWE were 19.73% (95% CI: 17.00-22.62%), 5.96% (95% CI: 4.82-7.20%), and 0.24% (95% CI: 0.11-0.42%), respectively. Compared to the control group, PWE were at a significantly higher risk of total suicidality (pooled OR, 2.60; 95%: 2.13-3.18), including suicidal ideation (pooled OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 2.21-3.30), suicide attempts (pooled OR, 2.74; 95% CI, 2.08-3.61) and completed suicide (pooled OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.45-3.83). Subgroup analyses showed significant differences in the subgroups of the measurement of suicidality.

Conclusion

The rate of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicide in PWE were about 19.73, 5.96, and 0.24%. And there was an increased risk of suicidality in PWE especially temporal lobe epilepsy and drug-resistant epilepsy. Clinicians need to be aware of this risk in PWE with early identification and prevention at the time of diagnosis.Protocol Registration: PROSPERO CRD42021278220.

Delirium: Prevalence and outcome in the very old in 27 medical departments during a one-year prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The prevalence and effects of delirium in very old individuals aged ≥80 years have not yet been systematically evaluated. Therefore, this large single-center study of the one-year prevalence of delirium in 3,076 patients in 27 medical departments of the University Hospital of Zurich was conducted.

METHODS

Patient scores on the Delirium Observation Screening scale, Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 5th edition, and electronic Patient Assessment-Acute Care (nursing tool) resulted in the inclusion of 3,076 individuals in 27 departments. The prevalence rates were determined by simple logistic regressions, odds ratios (ORs), and confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Of the 3,076 patients, 1,285 (41.8%) developed delirium. The prevalence rates in the 27 departments ranged from 15% in rheumatology (OR = 0.30) to 73% in intensive care (OR = 5.25). Delirious patients were more likely to have been admitted from long-term care facilities (OR = 2.26) or because of emergencies (OR = 2.24). The length of their hospital stay was twice as long as that for other patients. Some died before discharge (OR = 24.88), and others were discharged to nursing homes (OR = 2.96) or assisted living facilities (OR = 2.2).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study to date regarding the prevalence of delirium in patients aged ≥80 years and the medical characteristics of these patients. Almost two out of five patients developed delirium, with a high risk of loss of independence and mortality.

The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a tool to screen for depression in people with multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional validation study

BACKGROUND

Depression has a point prevalence of 25% and lifetime prevalence of 50% in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). Due to accessibility and brevity, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) may be a useful tool in clinical practice for screening and monitoring of depressive symptoms in people with MS (pwMS).

METHODS

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability, validity and acceptability of the PHQ-9 as a screening tool for depressive symptoms in pwMS. PwMS completed online questionnaires at 3 time-points over 4-weeks. The PHQ-9, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29), Centre for Disease Control Health-Related Quality of Life Measure (CDC-HQOL-4) and clinical history.

RESULTS

103 participants completed the PHQ-9 at three time points, 43% were categorised as depressed on at least one response. The PHQ-9 exhibited high internal reliability (Cronbach's α = 0.89), and test-re-test agreement (ICC 0.89, 95% CI 0.85-0.91). Convergent validity was indicated through positive correlation with the mental health items on the MSIS-29 (r = 0.46 and r = 0.50) and CDC-HQOL-4 (r = 0.79 and r = 0.73) at both assessment points. Positive correlations between the PHQ-9 and the MSIS-29 (r = 0.86 and r = 0.84) and CDC-HQOL-4 (r = 0.55 and r = 0.37) physical symptom sub-scores did not indicate divergent validity. 93% of ratings evaluated the PHQ-9 as "Very" or "Completely" acceptable.

CONCLUSION

The PHQ-9 is a reliable and valid measure of depressive symptoms in people with MS. Given its accessibility, ease of administration, and acceptability, we recommend the PHQ-9 as a tool to screen for depressive symptoms in people with MS.

Risk factors for suicide one year after discharge from hospitalization for physical illness in Denmark

While suicide risk following psychiatric hospitalization has been studied extensively, risk following hospitalization for physical illness is less well understood. We used random forests to examine risk factors for suicide in the year following physical illness hospitalization in Denmark. In this case-cohort study, suicide cases were all individuals who died by suicide within one year of a hospitalization for a physical illness (n = 4563) and the comparison subcohort was a 5% random sample of individuals living in Denmark on January 1, 1995 who had a hospitalization for a physical illness between January 1, 1995 and December 31, 2015 (n = 177,664). We used random forests to examine identify the most important predictors of suicide stratified by sex. For women, the top 10 most important variables for random forest prediction were all related to psychiatric diagnoses. For men, many physical health conditions also appeared important to suicide prediction. Among the top 10 variables in the variable importance plot for men were influenza, injuries to the head, nervous system surgeries, and cerebrovascular diseases. Suicide prediction after a physical illness hospitalization requires comprehensive consideration of different and multiple factors for each sex.

Clinical Correlates of Depression and Suicidality in Huntington Disease: An Analysis of the Enroll-HD Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Depression and suicidality are commonly experienced by Huntington disease (HD) gene carriers. Research on these behavioral symptoms is imperative, not only to increase our understanding of the symptoms and how they relate to HD, but also to contribute to improving patients' care and quality of life.

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical variables associated with a history of depression and suicidality in HD gene carriers.

METHOD

We conducted a cross-sectional study of HD gene carriers from the Enroll-HD database PDS4 (periodic data set 4; N = 11,582). Data from baseline visits were obtained, and binary logistic regression models were used to ascertain the effects of clinical variables on the likelihood that HD gene carriers would have previous depression and suicidal ideation/attempts.

RESULTS

Approximately 65% (n = 7526) of the HD gene carriers had a history of depression, and ~27% (n = 3152) had previous suicidal ideation/attempts. Female sex; diagnosis of manifest HD; history of perseverative/obsessive behavior, apathy, and psychosis; and previous suicidal ideation/attempts were significantly associated with a history of depression in the HD gene carriers. Medical history of apathy, psychosis, and depression, as well as worse scores on the Total Functional Capacity and Irritability Scales, were significantly associated with previous suicidal ideation/attempts in the HD gene carriers.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depression and suicidality is high among HD gene carriers. An improved understanding of the risk factors for depression and suicide in HD gene carriers can assist providers in recognizing at-risk individuals and allow providers to implement therapeutic strategies.

Meta-analysis of risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, increasing attention has been paid on post stroke suicide (PSS), which is one of complications of stroke. The rates of stroke and suicide are relatively high, especially in Asian populations. Thus, a deeper understanding of the prevalence and epidemiological impact of suicide after stroke is urgently needed. Clinical diagnosis and prevention of PSS are at the incipient stage, but the risk factors responsible for the occurrence of PSS in different regions and stages of the disease remain largely unknown. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the incidence of PSS at different stages and time courses, and to identify the underlying risk factors for PSS.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Cochrane library, Embase, PubMed, CNKI and Web of Science databases from their inception until April 2019.The research articles reporting on the risk factor for PSS were screened and included in the meta-analysis. The data from the included studies were extracted according to the predefined criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies (n = 2,693,036) were included for meta-analyses. Of these studies, 7 reporting suicide prevalence were meta-analyzed. The pooled estimate of suicidal ideation rates after stroke was 12%, which could be influenced by multiple risk factors, including sex, smoking, depression, sleep disorders, previous stroke and low household income. Studies conducted in Asia demonstrated higher suicide prevalence (approximately 15%) compared to other regions. Smoking, low family income, depression, heart disease and sleep disorders were important risk factors for PSS. When compared to PSS of more than 1 year, the incidence of suicide within 1 year after stroke was more likely to be statistically significant. It was found that 4 out of every 1000 stroke survivors tended to commit suicide. The results of this meta-analysis showed that depression (OR = 2.32; p < 0.01) was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration.

CONCLUSION

PSS is one of the common complications of stroke. Despite some limitations, we successfully identified the risk factors associated with suicidal ideation after stroke. Notably, depression was significantly associated with suicidal ideation, regardless of stroke duration. Targeting this risk factor may be helpful to improve stroke patient care and prevent suicidal ideation after stroke. Future research will be carried out to assess whether suicidal ideation or thoughts and actual suicide attempts are strongly predictive of suicide deaths after stroke (Registration No. CRD42019128813).

Hierarchical engineering of Mn2O3/carbon nanostructured electrodes for sensitive screening of acetylcholine in biological samples

Enzymeless electrochemical sensors have received considerable interest for the direct, sensitive, and selective monitoring of biomolecules in a complex biological environment.

Spotlight on non-motor symptoms and Covid-19

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has profoundly affected the quality of life (QoL) and health of the general population globally over the past 2 years, with a clear impact on people with Parkinson's Disease (PwP, PD). Non-motor symptoms have been widely acknowledged to hold a vital part in the clinical spectrum of PD, and, although often underrecognized, they significantly contribute to patients' and their caregivers' QoL. Up to now, there have been numerous reports of newly emerging or acutely deteriorating non-motor symptoms in PwP who had been infected by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), while some of these symptoms, like fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety and cognitive impairment, have also been identified as part of the long-COVID syndrome due to their persistent nature. The subjacent mechanisms, mediating the appearance or progression of non-motor symptoms in the context of Covid-19, although probably multifactorial in origin, remain largely unknown. Such mechanisms might be, at least partly, related solely to the viral infection per se or the lifestyle changes imposed during the pandemic, as many of the non-motor symptoms seem to be prevalent even among Covid-19 patients without PD. Here, we summarize the available evidence and implications of Covid-19 in non-motor PD symptoms in the acute and chronic, if applicable, phase of the infection, with a special reference on studies of PwP.

Enzymeless copper microspheres@carbon sensor design for sensitive and selective acetylcholine screening in human serum

Follow up of neuronal disorders, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases using simple, sensitive, and selective assays is urgently needed in clinical and research investigation. Here, we designed a sensitive and selective enzymeless electrochemical acetylcholine sensor that can be used in human fluid samples. The designed electrode consisted of a micro spherical construction of Cu-metal decorated by a thin layer of carbon (CuMS@C). A simple and one-pot synthesis approach was used for Cu-metal controller formation with a spherical like structures. The spherical like structure was formed with rough outer surface texture, circular build up, homogeneous formation, micrometric spheres size (0.5 -1 µm), and internal hollow structure. The formation of a thin layer of carbon materials on the surface of CuMS sustained the catalytic activity of Cu atoms and enriched negatively charge of the surface. CuMS@C acted as a highly active mediator surface that consisted of Cu metal as a highly active catalyst and carbons as protecting, charge transport, and attractive surface. Therefore, the CuMS@C surface morphology and composition played a key role in various aspects such as facilitated ACh diffusion/loading, increased the interface surface area, and enhanced the catalytic activity. The CuMS@C acted as an electroactive catalyst for ACh electrooxidation and current production, due to the losing of two electrons. The fabricated CuMS@C could be a highly sensitive and selective enzymeless sensor for detecting ACh with a detection limit of 0.1 µM and a wide linear range of 0.01 - 0.8 mM. The designed ACh sensor assay based on CuMS@C exhibited fast sensing property as well as sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and reusability for detecting ACh in human serum samples. This work presents the design of a highly active electrode surface for direct detection of ACh and further clinical investigation of ACh levels.

When Sick Brain and Hopelessness Meet: Some Aspects of Suicidality in the Neurological Patient

Neurological diseases expose individuals to a higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior, including completed suicides and suicide attempts. They also represent a paradigmatic arena to study the etiopathogenic mechanisms underlying suicidality because they are emblematic of the heterogeneity and complexity of mutual interrelationships characterizing this issue. On the one hand, neurological diseases imply strictly biological impairments that are postulated to be the basis of vulnerability to suicide or result in the need for treatments for which a suicidal risk has been hypothesized. On the other hand, they question some subjective experiences of neurological patients, up to near existential positions. Often, in fact, they are accompanied by severe hopelessness. The latter may originate in, particularly for the most severe neurological diseases, the absence of curative treatments, unpredictable disease progression that leads to acute relapses or chronicity, a decrease in autonomy or selfidentity, progressive social isolation, a sense of becoming useless, and perception of feeling stigmatized. This may ultimately cause a slip into experiencing an absurd condition. At the confluence of neurobiology and hopelessness, frequent psychiatric comorbidities may play a primary role. To conclude, neurological patients require special attention from clinicians in form of openly verbalizing and exploring the suicidal thematic, inquiring about protective and risk factors, and promptly initiating both a psychopharmacological treatment and, where possible, psychological support.

The wish to die and hastening death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) develops into a life-threatening condition 2 to 4 years after the onset of symptoms. Although many people with the disease decide in favour of life-sustaining measures, thoughts about hastening death are not uncommon.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to examine the scope of literature on the wish to die in ALS and provide an insight into determinants and motives for different end-of-life options.

METHODS

We searched eight databases for English and German publications on death wishes in ALS for the period from 2008 to 2018 and updated the search up to May 2020. After the screening process, 213 full texts were included for the final analysis. We analysed the texts in MAXQDA, using deductively and inductively generated codes.

RESULTS

We identified end-of-life considerations, ranging from wishes to die without hastening death, to options with the possibility or intention of hastening death. Besides physical impairment, especially psychosocial factors, socio-demographic status and socio-cultural context have a great impact on decisions for life-shortening options. There is huge variation in the motives and determinants for end-of-life considerations between individuals, different societies, healthcare and legal systems.

CONCLUSIONS

For a variety of reasons, the information and counselling provided on different options for sustaining life or hastening death is often incomplete and insufficient. Since the motives and determinants for the wish to hasten death are extremely diverse, healthcare professionals should investigate the reasons, meaning and strength of the desire to die to detect unmet needs and examine which interventions are appropriate in each individual case.

[Quantitative sensory testing for neuropathic pain and its relevance for physiotherapy]

BACKGROUND

Neuropathic pain syndromes are typically characterized by high chronification rates as well as long and intensive pain episodes. Early and accurate diagnosis of neuropathic pain is a basic skill of physiotherapists and other medical professionals, may allow for appropriate medical treatment and help to prevent possible consequential damage. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) can be applied as a supplement to conventional neurological bedside testing in the evaluation of neuropathic pain. Over recent decades, QST has come to hold a significant position in the field of pain research. However, despite these developments, the application of QST in clinical practice has lagged behind.

OBJECTIVES

What is the value of QST in the study of neuropathic pain? Have the conditions for personal clinical use of the QST been established in physiotherapy practice? Have the pathways for specific implementation of the QST been defined?

METHOD

Literature research as part of a Bachelor thesis in Physiotherapy.

RESULTS

QST constitutes a valid examination tool that is able to evaluate the complete somatosensory profile. In this way, QST may provide substantial additional benefit in the examination of neuropathic pain patients compared to other conventional testing procedures, especially when it comes to small-fibre neuropathies. These small fibres seem to be particularly affected in asymptomatic patients as well as early phases of neuropathies and cannot be investigated via conventional testing procedures. This makes the use of partial aspects of the QST a proven instrument for physiotherapists and medical staff, which was particularly useful in the decision-making process for neuropathies.

DISCUSSION

Nonetheless, regarding the results, there are still several limiting factors that hamper the routine use of QST. Some of these can be resolved by precisely adhering to testing protocols and taking precautions. Other highly relevant issues for clinical practice, such as the immense cost of equipment and the excessive time required for testing, have not been satisfactorily overcome as yet. Less comprehensive testing protocols as well as the innovation of handy and cost-effective testing devices might offer initial approaches to enhance the widespread use of QST. Complementing conventional bedside testing by adding thermal discrimination tests and pain detection threshold tests might prove to be another possibility to integrate the benefit of QST into clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

QST makes a significant contribution to the investigation and diagnosis of neuropathies. Physiotherapists are encouraged to implement partial aspects of the QST in a standard examination in order to have a positive effect on both early detection and treatment.

Mortality of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in a Chinese population

Objective

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rapidly disabling disease. Epidemiologic studies have suggested varying NMOSD mortality across ethnic groups. However, NMOSD mortality data in China are scarce. This study’s objectives were to explore mortality and causes of death among Chinese NMOSD patients and to identify independent predictors of death.

Methods

We performed a retrospective study with a 10‐year follow‐up of Chinese NMOSD patients. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify independent predictors of death.

Results

Five hundred and sixty‐nine patients were included; 24 patients died during follow‐up, for overall mortality of 4.2%. In these patients, the median disease duration at the time of death was 3.4 years. The most common cause of death was secondary infection (62.5%), especially respiratory infection (45.8%). The second most common cause of death was extensive cervical myelitis with respiratory failure (16.7%). Other causes included suicide (8.3%), cancer (4.2%), cerebral embolism (4.2%), and unknown causes (4.2%). The multivariate Cox analyses indicated that a short first interattack interval (HR = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89–0.98, p = 0.003), lack of regular immunotherapy (HR = 10.34, 95% CI 4.05–26.37, p < 0.001), and older age at onset were independent predictors of death. Every increasing decade of onset age increased the risk of death 2.59 times (95% CI 1.74–3.86, p < 0.001).

Interpretation

Infections were more common in patients not treated with any immunotherapy, indicating that early and consequent immunotherapy might prevent death by infections, which is of great importance for further treatment of NMOSD patients to avoid undertreatment due to fear of treatment‐associated infections.

Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a recognisable clinical syndrome with a range of causes and clinical presentations. Parkinson's disease represents a fast-growing neurodegenerative condition; the rising prevalence worldwide resembles the many characteristics typically observed during a pandemic, except for an infectious cause. In most populations, 3-5% of Parkinson's disease is explained by genetic causes linked to known Parkinson's disease genes, thus representing monogenic Parkinson's disease, whereas 90 genetic risk variants collectively explain 16-36% of the heritable risk of non-monogenic Parkinson's disease. Additional causal associations include having a relative with Parkinson's disease or tremor, constipation, and being a non-smoker, each at least doubling the risk of Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis is clinically based; ancillary testing is reserved for people with an atypical presentation. Current criteria define Parkinson's disease as the presence of bradykinesia combined with either rest tremor, rigidity, or both. However, the clinical presentation is multifaceted and includes many non-motor symptoms. Prognostic counselling is guided by awareness of disease subtypes. Clinically manifest Parkinson's disease is preceded by a potentially long prodromal period. Presently, establishment of prodromal symptoms has no clinical implications other than symptom suppression, although recognition of prodromal parkinsonism will probably have consequences when disease-modifying treatments become available. Treatment goals vary from person to person, emphasising the need for personalised management. There is no reason to postpone symptomatic treatment in people developing disability due to Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is the most common medication used as first-line therapy. Optimal management should start at diagnosis and requires a multidisciplinary team approach, including a growing repertoire of non-pharmacological interventions. At present, no therapy can slow down or arrest the progression of Parkinson's disease, but informed by new insights in genetic causes and mechanisms of neuronal death, several promising strategies are being tested for disease-modifying potential. With the perspective of people with Parkinson's disease as a so-called red thread throughout this Seminar, we will show how personalised management of Parkinson's disease can be optimised.

Association Between Stroke and Subsequent Risk of Suicide: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Poor mental health and depression are well-recognized sequelae of stroke; however, the association between stroke and subsequent risk of suicide is unknown.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar from their inception to September 15, 2020, using keywords and database-specific subjects. We independently adjudicated and selected observational studies that reported suicide attempts or death by suicide in stroke survivors and a comparison group, consisting either of people without a history of stroke or the general population. We evaluated study quality using the Newcastle Ottawa scale. Using random-effects meta-analysis, we calculated the pooled adjusted risk ratio (RR) of suicide in stroke survivors and separately calculated the pooled adjusted RR of suicide attempt and death by suicide. Using prespecified analyses, we explored study-level factors to explain heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We screened 4093 articles and included 23 studies of fair quality, totaling over 2 million stroke survivors, of whom 5563 attempted suicide or died by suicide. Compared to the nonstroke group, the pooled adjusted RR of suicide in stroke survivors was 1.73 (95% CI, 1.53-1.96, I²=93%), with a significantly (P=0.03) higher adjusted risk of suicide attempt (RR, 2.11 [1.73-2.56]) than of death by suicide (RR, 1.61 [1.41-1.84]). A longer follow-up time in cohort studies was associated with a lower risk of suicide (RR, 0.97 [0.95-0.99] for every 1-year increase).

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke should be considered as a risk factor for suicide. Comprehensive strategies to screen and treat depression and suicidal ideation in stroke survivors should be developed to reduce the burden of suicide in stroke survivors.

Risk of Suicide Among Patients With Parkinson Disease

IMPORTANCE

Parkinson disease (PD) is an increasingly common neurodegenerative disorder in many aging societies. Although comorbidities with mental disorders are common in PD, whether PD is associated with an increased risk of suicide is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To use a large national representative PD cohort to compare the risk of suicide in patients with PD and control participants and identify potential risk factors.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nationwide population-based cohort study used linked data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance data set and Taiwan Death Registry between January 2002 and December 2016. Patients with incident PD diagnosed between January 2005 and December 2014 were followed up until December 2016. Four control participants from the general population were randomly selected by risk set sampling and were matched on age, sex, and residence to each affected individual. Data analysis occurred from June 2019 to October 2020.

EXPOSURES

Diagnosis of PD retrieved from the National Health Insurance data set.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Suicide was recorded in the Taiwan Death Registry. Cox proportional models and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to estimate the association between PD and the risk of suicide over the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Over 11 years, 35 891 patients with PD were followed up (17 482 women [48.7%]; mean [SD] age, 72.5 [10.1] years) and matched to 143 557 control participants (69 928 women [48.7%]; mean [SD] age, 72.5 [10.1] years). A total of 151 patients with PD (cumulative incidence, 66.6 per 100 000 [95% confidence limits [CL], 78.1-91.7]) and 300 control participants (cumulative incidence, 32.3 per 100 000 [95% CL, 36.2-40.5]) died by suicide. The risk of suicide was higher (HR, 2.1 [95% CL, 1.7-2.5]) in patients with PD than control participants, after adjustment for markers of socioeconomic position, medical comorbidities, and dementia. After controlling for mental disorders, the association between PD and suicide risk remained (HR, 1.9 [95% CL, 1.6-2.3]). Compared with control participants who died by suicide, those who died by suicide in the PD group were slightly younger (mean [SD] age: patients with PD, 74.0 [10.4] years vs control participants, 76.0 [10.2] years; P = .05) and more likely to be urban dwelling (medium urbanization, 39 patients with PD [25.8%] vs 115 control participants [38.3%]; high urbanization, 84 patients with PD [55.6%] vs 136 control participants [45.3%]; P = .03), have mental disorders (depression, 15 of 151 patients with PD [9.9%] vs 15 of 300 control participants [5.0%]; other mental disorders, 12 patients with PD [8.0%] vs 11 control participants [3.7%]; P = .02), and adopt jumping as a method of suicide (21 patients with PD [13.9%] vs 16 control participants [5.3%]; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this population-based cohort study, Parkinson disease, a common neurodegenerative disorder common in elderly persons, was independently associated with an increased risk of suicide. Integrating mental health care into primary care and PD specialty care, along with socioenvironmental interventions, may help decrease the risk of suicide in patients with PD.

Suicidal behavior in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) leads to a drastic reduction in quality of life, generating intense psychological distress and predisposing those affected to mental illness and, in more severe cases, suicidal behavior.

OBJECTIVE

This is a systematic review aiming to estimate the frequency of wish to die, suicide ideation and suicide in individuals with ALS using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P).

METHODS

The following databases were used: Pubmed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), and Cochrane Library. The choice of appropriate descriptors, or their equivalents, to define the search terms was based on the technical and scientific vocabulary of each database.

RESULTS

13 articles were included in the present systematic review, of which three were cross-sectional studies, nine were cohort-type and there was one case-control study. The studies show that individuals with ALS have a higher risk of suicide in relation to the general population, and there is evidence that this risk is even higher in the early stages of the disease. Major Depressive Disorder was the most prevalent mental disorder in the studies included. This mental health concern is often undertreated, leading to the increased susceptibility of this population to suicide.

LIMITATIONS

In general, the study samples represent a highly heterogeneous population while many instruments used in the data collection were not uniform.

CONCLUSIONS

The high degree of psychological vulnerability of this population, associated with a greater predisposition to suicidal behavior, should be minimized through public health measures.

Suicide in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review

Psychiatric disorders and suicide have been reported in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease. The aims of the present paper were to determine whether patients with Parkinson's disease have an increased rate of suicide and to identify the clinical features possibly associated with suicide risk in Parkinson's disease. We also reviewed the studies on suicide risk in Parkinson's disease in patients after deep brain stimulation. We performed a Medline, Excerpta Medica, PsycLit, PsycInfo and Index Medicus search to identify all articles published on this topic from 1970 to 2019. The following search terms were used: suicide OR suicide attempt OR suicidal ideation OR suicide risk AND Parkinson's disease AND Parkinson's disease and deep brain stimulation. The studies we identified that assessed the suicide rate associated with Parkinson's disease yielded contrasting results, although an increase in suicidal ideation did emerge. The studies on the effect of deep brain stimulation on suicide risk in Parkinson's disease also reported mixed findings. Psychiatric symptoms, including depression, appear to be associated with suicide risk in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing medical and after surgical treatment. The studies reviewed suggest that suicidal ideation is increased in Parkinson's disease. Further longitudinal studies designed to assess suicidality in this condition are still needed.

Do patients diagnosed with a neurological disease present increased risk of suicide?

INTRODUCTION

Neurological diseases are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide. Physical and psychological pain, despair, and disconnection with the environment are observed after the diagnosis of numerous neurological processes, particularly neurodegenerative diseases.

DEVELOPMENT

A higher risk of suicide is observed in patients with such common neurological diseases as epilepsy, migraine, and multiple sclerosis, as well as in those with such degenerative disorders as Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease. In most cases, suicidal ideation appears in the early stages after diagnosis, in the presence of disabling symptoms, and/or in patients with psychiatric comorbidities (often associated with these neurological diseases).

CONCLUSIONS

Effective suicide prevention in this population group requires assessment of the risk of suicide mainly in newly diagnosed patients, in patients showing unmistakable despair or disabling symptoms, and in patients presenting psychiatric comorbidities (especially depressive symptoms). It is essential to train specialists to detect warning signs in order that they may adopt a suitable approach and determine when psychiatric assessment is required.

Fatigue and Suicidal Ideation in People With Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of Social Support

Fatigue and poor sleep quality are among the most common patient-reported problems associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Social support, on the other hand, is often found to be positively associated with quality of life in patients with neurological diseases. Studies also show that suicidal ideation (SI) levels in MS are elevated compared to the general population. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the associations between fatigue, social support, and SI in patients with MS. Out of 184 MS patients asked to participate in this cross-sectional study, 156 agreed (RR 69.8%; 75% female; mean age: 39.95 ± 9.97 years). Patients filled-in the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and the subscale of the General Health Questionnaire-28 focused on assessing SI. Models were controlled for age, gender, disease duration, functional disability, and sleep quality. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. SI was positively associated with lower sleep quality and four types of fatigue: general, mental, reduced activity, and reduced motivation (p < 0.05). Physical fatigue was not significantly associated with SI. Social support was negatively associated with SI in all models. The final models under study explained from 24.3 to 29.7% of the total variance in SI. SI yielded associations with both sleep quality and fatigue, with the exception of physical fatigue. Information provided by physicians on sleep management, and a psychosocial intervention focused on people who provide support for patients with MS (family, friends, and significant others) may reduce levels of SI.

Depression in myasthenia gravis: a heterogeneous and intriguing entity

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms in myasthenia gravis (MG) are common, may mimic other disease features, and contribute to misdiagnosis and diagnostic delay. Nevertheless, the clinical determinants of depressive symptoms in MG remain poorly studied, in particular their overlap with fatigue. Moreover, studies in MG have rarely looked at distinct depression phenotypes.

METHODS

In 68 consecutive MG patients, we ascertained cognitive-affective and somatic depression with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and also assessed age at disease onset, education, marital state, work ability, sleepiness, fatigue, and treatment modalities. Disease severity was graded according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification.

RESULTS

The prevalence of moderate-severe depression was 20.5%. While depression and fatigue showed large overlap (n = 37, 54.4%), only fatigue increased with disease severity, while BDI scores did not. Thymectomy was independently associated with lower BDI scores, but had no impact on fatigue. Total BDI scores were similar in patients with predominantly cognitive-affective and with predominantly somatic depression. However, ESS correlated only with cognitive-affective BDI, and younger age was independently associated with cognitive-affective BDI. Conversely, female sex and thymectomy were independently associated with somatic BDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and fatigue are highly prevalent and largely overlapping comorbidities in MG, but only fatigue increased with disease severity, and only depression was milder in thymectomized patients. Comparative use of BDI subscales in MG reveals distinct depression phenotypes with distinct correlations to other disease features.

Suicide in Parkinson's disease

Persons with Parkinson's disease (PwP) have many known risk factors for suicide and suicidal ideation (SI). Despite this, there is limited understanding of suicidality in this population. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise the available literature on suicidality in PwP and highlight areas for potential intervention and further research. We identified 116 articles discussing SI, suicidal behaviours, suicide attempts and/or fatal suicide in PwP. These articles describe prevalence, suicide methods, risk factors for suicide and SI and treatment of suicidality. In this review, we summarise the current literature and provide suggestions for how clinicians can identify and treat PwP who are at risk for suicide, for example, through aggressive treatment of depression and improved screening for access to lethal means.

High Risk of Suicide in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia

AIM

The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), evaluating possible risk factors for suicidality.

METHODS

Risk of suicide was assessed using the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) in 35 patients with bvFTD and 25 controls.

RESULTS

According to SSI, 40% of patients with bvFTD had suicidal ideation in comparison to 8% of controls ( P = .009). Four patients with bvFTD have attempted suicide versus none control ( P = .006). Patients with bvFTD with suicide risk showed higher levels of anxiety, depression, stress, and hopelessness than patients without suicide risk ( P < .001). Patients who attempted suicide were younger and had a longer disease duration than those with only suicide ideation. Intriguingly, 40% of patients with parkinsonism presented high level of suicide ideation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that patients with bvFTD have a high risk of suicide. Additional studies in larger populations are needed to confirm our results.

Suicidal ideation and behavior in Huntington's disease: Systematic review and recommendations

BACKGROUND

An increased risk of suicide in Huntington's disease (HD) patients is well documented, with rates significantly higher than those of the general population as well as other neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite its prevalence, the magnitude of this phenomenon as well as its predictors and etiology are still poorly understood.

METHODS

We performed the first systematic review of all the studies published between March 1993 and December 2018 which investigated HD patients and gene carriers that reported suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or suicide as an outcome.

RESULTS

This review reveals that some aspects of suicidality in HD are more clearly understood than others. We confirm an increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide for HD patients. We found that suicidal ideation is elevated throughout the course of the disease, and that psychiatric comorbidities are common risk factors with depression being the most prominent.

LIMITATIONS

Important data are still largely missing, specifically regarding cognitive and neuroanatomical mechanisms and potential effective interventions. Moreover, inconsistencies in terminology, assessment tools, and outcome measures limit the comparability of the research and the conclusions that can be drawn.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and suicide are higher among those with HD relative to the non-HD population. It is therefore important that suicidal thoughts and behaviors are closely monitored in HD clinics and that clinical trials use standardized scales. Future research should focus on better understanding the etiology of this high suicide risk and on testing the efficacy of potential interventions.

A Meta-Analysis of the Rates of Suicide Ideation, Attempts and Deaths in People with Epilepsy

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between epilepsy and suicide. We systematically searched PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and Web of Science for studies that reported the prevalence of suicidality in the form of suicide ideation, attempts and deaths among people with epilepsy (PWE). Studies were included if they reported the numbers of patients who died by suicide and concurrently suffered from epilepsy, assessed suicide ideation, or studied suicide attempts in PWE by validated instruments or diagnostic interviews. We used the random effects model to calculate the pooled odds ratios (OR) and standard mean differences (SMDs). We performed subgroup analyses. Seven case-control studies were included in the comparison of rates of suicide attempts between PWE and controls, with a total of 821,594 participants. Our analyses demonstrated a positive association between epilepsy and suicide attempts (pooled OR = 3.25, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.69–3.92, p < 0.001), indicating that PWE have an elevated risk of suicide. The pooled prevalence for suicide ideation (24 studies) and suicide attempts (18 studies) were 23.2% (95% CI: 0.176–0.301) and 7.4% (95% CI: 0.031–0.169) respectively. The pooled rate of death due to suicide (10 studies) was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.002–0.016). Meta-regression showed that mean age and proportion of male gender were significant moderators for prevalence of suicide attempts and death due to suicide in PWE. Young PWE could be triggered by relationship problems and male PWE might use more lethal methods to attempt suicide. This meta-analysis provides the most up-to-date information on the prevalence of suicide among people with epilepsy and guidance on strategies to improve current psychiatric services provided for this population.

Suicide in older people, attitudes and knowledge of emergency nurses: A multi-centre study

INTRODUCTION

Suicide in older people is a public health concern. Emergency nurses are ideally placed to identify suicide risk. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore emergency nurses' knowledge, confidence and attitudes about suicide in older people.

METHODS

This descriptive exploratory study was conducted in four emergency departments in Sydney, Australia. Data were collected using a 28-item survey from a convenience sample of emergency nurses. Descriptive quantitative statistics and conventional content analysis were performed. Ethics approval was provided.

RESULTS

The response rate was 58% (n = 136); the majority were female with an average of seven years emergency experience. The majority (n = 124, 91%) reported that they frequently managed suicidal behaviour and recognized suicide as a common event (80%). 51% (n = 69) recognized that suicide was a common event for older people. Only 16% (n = 22) reported receiving suicide prevention training with 11% feeling confident in managing suicidal behaviour.

CONCLUSION

The findings contribute to the discourse on how suicide in older people is recognised by emergency nurses. Few nurses considered it a problem for older people and were not confident about their knowledge. There is a need for suicide prevention training as a priority particularly to identify risks in older people.