[Suicide among patients with apoplexy. An epidemiological study]

The purpose of this study was, on the basis of a cohort of patients with a discharge diagnosis of stroke (ICD8 code: 430-438) diagnosed in the period 1.4.1973-31.12.1989 in a representatively selected area of Denmark (County of Funen), to estimate whether or not the risk of suicide in stroke patients was increased compared to the background population, i.e. the total population of the County of Funen. The patients were followed for causes of death until end of 1989. Standard Mortality Ratios for suicide standardized for age and sex in male and female stroke patients were calculated. A total of 37,869 stroke patients were included in the study, 140 committed suicide in the study period (80 females and 60 males). Standard Mortality Ratio for suicide was significantly increased for all stroke patients. For women below 49 years and from 50-59 years Standard Mortality Ratios were 1376 and 1378 respectively. For men below 49 years and from 50-59 years Standard Mortality Ratios were 656 and 580 respectively. The suicides did not occur at any specific time-point after the stroke. The results of this study emphasize the need, concurrently with improvements in prevention and treatment of stroke, to improve the care of patients suffering from the impairment of a stroke. This is a continuous process, and studies are needed in order to decide how this is best done.