Suicide in patients with stroke: epidemiological study

Abstract

In the United States stroke is the third most common cause of death among those aged over 70. In Europe the incidence of stroke is 2 per 1000 population a year.1 Survivors are often incapacitated. The frequency of depression after stroke is estimated at 18-60%.2 Other neurological disorders that may result in mental and cognitive disorders are associated with an increased risk of suicidal behaviour.3 Studies on the possible increased risk of suicide among patients with stroke have never been performed. We therefore aimed to estimate, on the basis of a cohort of patients with stroke in a selected area in Denmark, whether the risk of suicide was higher than in the background population (the common reference in previous studies on suicide risk). All patients admitted to hospital in the county of Funen, Denmark, with a discharge diagnosis of stroke (code 430-438 according …