Suicide in stroke survivors Frequency and risk factors

Stroke is a substantial health problem worldwide. In addition to the high mortality in the acute phase, stroke causes further mortality over time due to associated comorbidities and complications, including suicidality.(1) Stroke survivors have an increased risk of attempted or completed suicide.(2) Identified risk factors for suicidality include depression, previous mood disorder, prior history of stroke, younger age, and cognitive impairment.(2) Limited data are available on the role of socioeconomic factors such as civil status (most stroke survivors are widows or widowers), education, or income in suicidality. The recognition of relevant risk factors may help to identify subgroups of stroke survivors at increased risk for suicide and allow development of adequate preventive intervention in high-risk cases.