Citation

Beyer JL, Weisler RH. Psychiatr. Clin. North Am. 2016; 39(1): 111-123.

Affiliation

Duke University Medical Center, Box 3519, Durham, NC 27710, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psc.2015.09.002

PMID

26876322

Abstract

Suicide behaviors (ideation, attempts, and completions) are unfortunately common in patients with bipolar disorder. It is estimated that 25 to 50% attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime, and 6% to 19% complete suicide. Risk factors include a family history of suicide, previous suicide attempts, younger age of onset, comorbid psychiatric illnesses, and psychological constructs like hopelessness. Pharmacologic treatment may impact suicidal behaviors, either increasing vulnerability or resilience. Clinicians need to be particularly sensitive to their patient's thoughts and beliefs about death, particularly during stressful times of life or when in a depressive/mixed episode of bipolar disorder.

Language: en