“This brief notice links to a significant research report in Canada. It is titled Risk of suicide after a concussion. Their interpretation of their findings is “Adults with a diagnosis of concussion had an increased long-term risk of suicide, particularly after concussions on weekends. Greater attention to the long-term care of patients after a concussion in the community might save lives because deaths from suicide can be prevented.” Bill Chesnut, MD.
Concussion may increase long-term suicide risk in adults. AMA Wire_2.9.16.
http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2016/02/08/cmaj.150790
Reuters (2/8, Doyle) reports that adults suffering a concussion may have a threefold increase in the long-term suicide risk, according to the findings of a 235,000-participant study published online Feb. 8 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggest.
According to AFP (2/8), “the likelihood of suicide was even greater among those whose head injury was incurred on the weekend, suggesting they had hurt themselves during a recreational activity.” Overall, whether concussions were incurred on the job or during recreation, “the average time from concussion to subsequent suicide was nearly six years.”
The ABC News (2/8, Hawkins) website reports that because “each additional concussion is associated with a further increase” in the risk for suicide, the study’s lead researcher, Donald Redelmeier, MD, “said the findings emphasize that it’s important for medical” professionals “to be aware of a patient’s concussion history.”