OBJECTIVES: Family carers of people with dementia have higher than average rates of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. While these are all risk factors for suicide, there has been no research on suicidal ideation in this population. The aims of this pilot study were to conduct an initial exploration of carers' experiences of suicidality and identify factors associated with risk and resilience, which could be used to guide further research. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative approach was taken. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine carers of people with dementia (four male, five female) and transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three themes were identified in the data - 'experiences of suicidal ideation', 'risk factors' and 'resilience'. Four of the nine participants had experienced suicidal thoughts and two had made preparations for a suicidal act. Risk factors included pre-existing mental health problems, physical health conditions, and conflict with other family or care staff. Factors positively associated with resilience included the use of positive coping strategies, faith, social support and personal characteristics. CONCLUSION: Some people contemplate suicide while caring for a family member with dementia. Further research is required to confirm the rate of suicidal ideation in the caring population and the relative contribution of factors associated with risk and resilience. In the meantime, service providers and health professionals should be taking steps to identify and support carers currently experiencing suicidal thoughts.
OBJECTIVES: Family carers of people with dementia have higher than average rates of depression, anxiety and hopelessness. While these are all risk factors for suicide, there has been no research on suicidal ideation in this population. The aims of this pilot study were to conduct an initial exploration of carers' experiences of suicidality and identify factors associated with risk and resilience, which could be used to guide further research. METHOD: A descriptive qualitative approach was taken. In-depth interviews were conducted with nine carers of people with dementia (four male, five female) and transcripts were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Three themes were identified in the data - 'experiences of suicidal ideation', 'risk factors' and 'resilience'. Four of the nine participants had experienced suicidal thoughts and two had made preparations for a suicidal act. Risk factors included pre-existing mental health problems, physical health conditions, and conflict with other family or care staff. Factors positively associated with resilience included the use of positive coping strategies, faith, social support and personal characteristics. CONCLUSION: Some people contemplate suicide while caring for a family member with dementia. Further research is required to confirm the rate of suicidal ideation in the caring population and the relative contribution of factors associated with risk and resilience. In the meantime, service providers and health professionals should be taking steps to identify and support carers currently experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Authors: Grace B McKee; Paul B Perrin; Yaneth Rodriguez-Agudelo; Silvia Leonor Olivera Plaza; Maria Cristina Quijano-Martinez; Duygu Kuzu; Chimdindu Ohayagha; Mickeal Pugh; Juan Carlos Arango-Lasprilla Journal: Rehabil Psychol Date: 2021-10-04
Authors: Karlijn J Joling; Siobhan T O'Dwyer; Cees M P M Hertogh; Hein P J van Hout Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2017-04-05 Impact factor: 3.485
Authors: Felicity Anne Baker; Jodie Bloska; Sabine Braat; Anna Bukowska; Imogen Clark; Ming H Hsu; Tone Kvamme; Nicola Lautenschlager; Young-Eun Claire Lee; Agnieszka Smrokowska-Reichmann; Tanara Vieira Sousa; Karette A Stensaeth; Jeanette Tamplin; Thomas Wosch; Helen Odell-Miller Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2019-11-19 Impact factor: 2.692