Suicide in Parkinson's disease

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Parkinson's disease (PwP) is associated with numerous risk factors for suicide and suicidal ideation (SI).
• There is a significant gap in understanding suicidality within the PwP population.
• Existing literature requires synthesis to guide clinical practice and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and synthesize the available literature on suicidality in persons with Parkinson's disease (PwP).
• To identify prevalence, methods, risk factors, and treatments for suicide and SI in PwP.
• To highlight areas for potential intervention and future research.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a systematic review of scientific literature.
• Identified and analyzed 116 articles pertaining to SI, suicidal behaviors, suicide attempts, and fatal suicide in PwP.
• Synthesized findings on prevalence, methods, risk factors, and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

• The review encompassed 116 articles detailing various aspects of suicidality in PwP.
• Key findings include data on the prevalence of SI and suicidal behaviors.
• Information on common suicide methods, identified risk factors, and current treatment approaches was compiled.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians should aggressively treat depression in PwP to mitigate suicide risk.
• Improved screening for access to lethal means is crucial for identifying and managing at-risk individuals.
• Further research is needed to refine interventions and enhance the identification and treatment of suicidality in PwP.