Enfermedad neurodegenerativa y suicidio

Introduction

The conceptualization of suicidal behaviour is very complex and constitutes a worldwide health problem. Its aetiology is multifactorial and, in many cases, preventable. Suicide and neurodegenerative disease have some risk factors in common, such as depression, feelings of hopelessness and social isolation.

Objective

To find out if patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington's disease (HD) are more likely to present suicidal behaviour than the general population and to ascertain the most relevant risk factors.

Method

A review of scientific articles in databases was carried out, as well as of protocols and documents published on national and government websites linking neurodegenerative disease and suicide.

Results

A clear relationship was found between suicide and MS, ALS, and HD. Results in relation to PD and AD are somewhat contradictory but a series of risk factors were detected, the presence of which could predispose individuals to this behaviour.

Conclusions

There is a greater risk of suicidal behaviour in patients with MS, ALS, and HD. We found a series of relevant risk factors associated with this behaviour, knowledge of which will help us to detect warning signs and take early action.