Citation

Rynar LZ, Merchant MS, Dilling DF. Clin. Transplant. 2018; 32(6): e13263.

Affiliation

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Munksgaard)

DOI

10.1111/ctr.13263

PMID

29665073

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicidality, a term referring to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts, has been understudied in lung transplant recipients, despite the well-documented period of high-stress following transplantation. Understanding the full clinical picture of psychiatric morbidity before and after lung transplant is vital to supporting survival.

METHODS: Suicidality among lung transplant recipients was examined through case studies of five lung transplant recipients at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and psychosocial variables during the pre- and post-transplant periods in order to identify common factors.

RESULTS: Patients presented with suicidal ideation within the first two years of receiving lung transplantation; four of five endorsed a plan and/or intent to act and two made suicide attempts. Pre-transplant prescription medication mismanagement, pre-transplant depression or anxiety, and post-transplant depression and anxiety were each present in at least three of five cases and appeared related to the development of suicidality. Social support issues were also prominent, including changes in available supports, interpersonal distress, and social isolation or lack of support.

CONCLUSION: Patients presenting with psychiatric comorbidities or limited social support at any phase of the lung transplant process should be monitored closely. This case report draws into focus the need for systematic and ongoing psychological evaluation following lung transplantation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

lung transplant; risk factors; suicidal ideation; suicide; transplant psychology