Preventing suicide after traumatic brain injury: implications for general practice

People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) have an increased risk of suicide, suicide attempts and suicide ideation compared with the general population. Most suicide deaths and attempts involve self-poisoning. General practitioners are strategically placed to make a significant contribution to preventing suicide in this group. Assessment approaches need to take into account the chronic nature of suicide risk in people with TBI. The assessment of post-TBI depression is complicated by the confounding effect of post-TBI motor-sensory and cognitive impairments, but psychological symptoms (feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and anhedonia, in particular) suggest the diagnosis of depression after TBI. Management includes close attention to how medications are prescribed, dispensed and administered. Family and community brain injury agencies can be enlisted to provide emotional support and monitoring of people with TBI. GPs can facilitate access to needed mental health services for people with TBI during times of suicidal crisis. Clinical practice guidelines for the care of people living with traumatic brain injury in the community, recently published for general practice, may be of use in managing people with TBI.