Death by suicide during COVID-19 infection: Two case reports

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is associated with various psychiatric conditions, including suicidal behavior.
• Suicide deaths in COVID-19 patients are a significant concern, often linked to psychiatric disorders and psychosocial stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the first two cases of suicide deaths in COVID-19 patients treated in inpatient facilities.
• To emphasize the potential for suicide in COVID-19 patients without apparent psychiatric disorders or warning signs.

Main Methods:

• Case report of two unvaccinated male patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
• Inclusion criteria: COVID-19 diagnosis, inpatient treatment, and death by suicide.
• Exclusion criteria: Evidence of current psychiatric disorder or warning signs of suicidal intent.

Main Results:

• Case 1: A 40-year-old man died by hanging 3 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis and inpatient treatment.
• Case 2: A 25-year-old man died by jumping from a hospital building 1 week after COVID-19 diagnosis and inpatient treatment.
• Neither patient had a diagnosed psychiatric disorder or exhibited warning signs of suicidal intent.

Conclusions:

• Suicide can occur in COVID-19 patients without prior psychiatric diagnosis or apparent distress.
• Clinicians must remain vigilant for potential suicidal risk in all COVID-19 patients, even in the absence of diagnosed mental health conditions.
• This underscores the critical need for proactive mental health screening and support within COVID-19 treatment settings.