SUICIDE
Submitted by DrFaedda on Sun, 2003-02-16 05:50. ::
It is estimated that almost 20% of untreated patients with MDI commit suicide and 20-50% attempt suicide at least once.
For an excellent overview on Suicide see Tondo et al., and the WHO Resources for Teachers on Suicide
The risk of suicide is highest among patients suffering from Depression with Hypomania (BP-II), followed by Mania with Depression (BP-I) and Unipolar Depression.
Mixed States, Chronic or Rapid-Cycling forms seem to increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Forms of agitated depression and Mixed Depressive Syndromes can lead to suicidal gestures, especially when active alcohol or substance abuse increases impulsiveness and impairs judgment.