Citation

Betz ME, McCourt AD, Vernick JS, Ranney ML, Maust DT, Wintemute GJ. Ann. Intern Med. 2018; 169(1): 47-49.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American College of Physicians)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

We agree with Dr. Ertle that dementia is not the only condition that elevates suicide risk - indeed, suicide risk relates to a number of static and transient factors including physical and mental health conditions and social stressors. In all of these cases, access to firearms can elevate acute risk of death because of the high lethality of firearms as a method of suicide. In other publications, we, and many other authors, have discussed firearm suicide prevention in other populations. In "Firearms and Dementia: Clinical Considerations" we sought instead to explore the various firearm injury risks that might be associated with dementia. Dr. Ertle is correct that epidemiologic data are lacking, and we strongly support increasing funding for research and injury surveillance system. In the meantime, however, clinicians and families face decisions about firearm access on a daily basis, and they deserve guidance and resources.

See: DOI: 10.7326/M18-0140