Suicide mortality after severe autoimmune disease: A nationwide population-based study

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Public health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Previous studies indicate elevated suicide mortality in severe autoimmune diseases (SADs).
• Comprehensive data on suicide and accidental mortality across SAD subtypes and psychiatric comorbidities are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate suicide and accidental mortality risks in patients with SADs.
• To examine the impact of psychiatric comorbidities on mortality in SAD patients.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Taiwan's nationwide database (2003-2017) linked with the National Death Registry.
• Included 232,992 patients with SADs and 931,968 matched controls.
• Employed Cox-regression analysis and subgroup analyses for sex, SAD types, and psychiatric conditions.

Main Results:

• SAD patients had a 1.54-fold increased risk of suicide mortality compared to controls.
• Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome showed higher suicide mortality.
• Psychiatric comorbidities like major depressive disorder and schizophrenia significantly elevated suicide risk in SAD patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients with SADs are at a substantially higher risk of suicide, particularly with co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
• Routine mental health screening and integrated care are vital for mitigating suicide risk in this population.