Citation

Copsey Spring TR, Yanni LM, Levenson JL. J. Gen. Intern Med. 2007; 22(5): 677-680.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11606-006-0089-9

PMID

17443378

PMCID

PMC1852910

Abstract

A 74-year-old widowed white man with chronic rheumatoid arthritis presented with nausea and weight loss. He was diagnosed with failure to thrive and admitted for hydration. Misoprostol was determined to be the etiology of his symptoms and he was discharged home. Three days later, he killed himself with a gunshot to the head. Clinicians often fail to recognize those at high risk for suicide. Suicidal risk is increased in both psychiatric and physical illness, and particularly when both are present. Psychiatric illness, particularly depression, often underlies chronic medical illness. The purpose of this case report is to remind health care providers of the strong association between depression and chronic medical illness, and to consider this in all patients, including those who present solely with physical symptoms. Recognizing this association and screening for it, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, may prevent the unnecessary tragedy of suicide.

Language: en

Keywords

Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Fatal Outcome; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders; Patient Discharge; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Suicide; Suicide Prevention