Citation

Windover AK, Merrell J, Ashton K, Heinberg LJ. Surg. Obes. Relat. Dis. 2010; 6(6): 702-706.

Affiliation

Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.soard.2010.08.014

PMID

21111382

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although research has been limited, suicidal behavior has commonly been identified as a contraindication for bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of past suicide attempts in a bariatric surgery population at an academic medical center. METHODS: A retrospective chart review, including the demographic and psychosocial variables, was conducted of 1020 consecutive bariatric surgery candidates presenting during a 32-month period. RESULTS: Of the 1020 patients, 115 (11.2%) self-reported ≥1 previous suicide attempt. The patients with a positive suicide history were significantly younger (mean 42.9 ± 11.0 years), less educated (mean 13.4 ± 2.4 years), had a greater body mass index (mean 52.3 ± 11.6 kg/m(2)), and were more predominantly single (32.2% versus 20.9%), female (90.4% versus 74.8%), and receiving disability (45.2% versus 21.8%) compared with patients without a suicide history. A positive suicide history was also significantly associated with a history of psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. CONCLUSION: Assessing suicide history is an important aspect of the bariatric preoperative assessment. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of suicide history on the postoperative outcomes and adherence.

Language: en