Bipolar Disorder and Suicide: a Review

AbstractPurpose of ReviewBipolar disorder has the highest rate of suicide of all psychiatric conditions and is approximately 20 –30 times that of the general population. The purpose of this review is to discuss findings relevant to bipolar disorder and suicide.Recent FindingsRisk factors include male gender, living alone, divorced, no children, Caucasian, younger age (<  35 years), elderly age (>  75 years), unemployment, and a personal history of suicide attempt and family history of suicide attempt or suicide completion, as well as predominant depressive polarity. Suicide is associated with the depressed or mixed subtypes, not mania. Although there are emerging treatments for bipolar de pression, such as ketamine and TMS, lithium remains the only medication associated with lowered suicide rates in bipolar disorder.SummaryUnderstanding clinical and demographic risk factors for suicide in bipolar disorder remains the best way to prevent suicidal behavior. Early intervention and treatment with anti-suicidal medications, such as lithium, along with close observation and follow-up is the best way to mitigate suicide in patients with bipolar disorder.

Source: Current Psychiatry Reports - January 17, 2020 Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research