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Suicidal thinking in multiple sclerosis.

Aviva Gaskill¹, Frederick W Foley, Julie Kolzet

¹Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.

Disability and Rehabilitation

|November 25, 2010

Summary

Suicidal ideation in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients is strongly linked to a perceived loss of control. Understanding these themes is crucial for supporting MS individuals experiencing such thoughts.

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Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression

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Published on: May 19, 2015

Area of Science:

Neurology
Psychiatry
Qualitative Health Research

Background:

Suicidal ideation (SI) is more prevalent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared to the general population.
For some individuals with MS, SI may represent a coping mechanism to exert control over an unpredictable disease.
The psychological burden of MS necessitates understanding the specific themes associated with SI in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify specific mental constructs and perceptual themes experienced by MS patients with suicidal ideation.
To investigate the role of 'control' as a central theme in the context of SI among individuals with MS.

Main Methods:

Qualitative analysis of individual interviews with 16 MS patients reporting SI.
Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed by two independent raters to identify key themes.

Main Results:

Eight key themes emerged: perceived loss of control, family tension, loneliness, hopelessness, frustration, physical/psychological impact of MS, altered gender roles, regaining control, and role functioning issues.
A model was developed to explain how these themes contribute to SI in MS patients.
All participants identified a perceived loss of control as a trigger for suicidal thoughts.

Conclusions:

A perceived loss of control is a significant disease-related burden contributing to suicidal ideation in patients with multiple sclerosis.
Addressing the theme of control may be a critical component in interventions for SI in MS.
Further research into the psychological impact of MS and its relation to SI is warranted.