Ulcer, attempted suicide and suicide

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Peptic ulcer disease, encompassing duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, and ulcer dyspepsia, affects a significant patient population.
• Previous research suggests potential links between gastrointestinal disorders and mental health outcomes, including suicidal behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of attempted suicide and completed suicide among patients diagnosed with peptic ulcers.
• To compare suicide attempt and completion rates across different ulcer types and between sexes.
• To examine the influence of surgical intervention on suicidal behaviors in ulcer patients.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 2,619 patients with duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer, or ulcer dyspepsia was studied.
• Data on attempted suicide and suicide were collected and analyzed.
• Comparisons were made between ulcer groups, sexes, and operated versus unoperated patients.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in attempted suicide or suicide rates were found among the three ulcer groups or between sexes.
• Patients who underwent surgery exhibited a statistically significant higher rate of attempted suicides compared to unoperated patients.
• The overall number of suicides among patients significantly exceeded expected rates for both men and women, irrespective of surgical history.

Conclusions:

• While peptic ulcer disease itself did not correlate with higher suicide rates, surgical intervention was associated with increased suicide attempts.
• The psychiatric diagnoses of patients committing suicide (predominantly neuroses and psychopathy) mirrored those in the general population attempting suicide.
• These findings highlight the importance of psychiatric evaluation and support for patients with peptic ulcers, particularly those undergoing surgery.