[Suicidal behaviour and somatic disorders]

To review current knowledge on suicide and suicidal behaviour in selected somatic disorders and pain syndromes.

Available literature concerning suicide risk and cancer, neurological disorders, heart and lung disorders, bowel disorders. AIDS: Rheumatoid arthritis and pain was found by using Medline.

There are fairly robust studies on the increased risk of suicide in a number of neurological disorders and cancers, while studies in cardiac, lung, rheumatologic disorders and others are fewer and far less robust.

Suicide risk factors i.e. psychiatric disorder, previous suicide attempts, suicidal thoughts have to be considered in patients suffering from somatic disorders, especially disorders involved with an increased suicide risk.