Emily M Lund1, Trisha A Hostetter2, Jeri E Forster2,3, Claire A Hoffmire2,3, Kelly A Stearns-Yoder2,3, Lisa A Brenner2,3,4,5, Maryam Tahmasbi Sohi2,3. 1. Department of Educational Studies in Psychology, Research Methodology, and Counseling, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. 2. VHA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA. 3. Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA. 4. Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA. 5. Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk of death by suicide for those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) seeking care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: This was a retrospective, cohort study. Extended Cox regression models were used to compare the hazard of suicide between the ALS and the unexposed groups. RESULTS: The hazard of suicide was 3.98 times higher for those with ALS than for those without (95% confidence interval [CI] , 2.64-6.00; P < .0001). After adjusting for covariates, those with ALS remained at increased risk (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.31-5.24; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among those seeking care in the VHA, individuals with ALS are at increased risk for dying by suicide. Additional suicide prevention efforts, including strategies for reducing access to lethal means, are warranted.
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to estimate the risk of death by suicide for those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) seeking care within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS: This was a retrospective, cohort study. Extended Cox regression models were used to compare the hazard of suicide between the ALS and the unexposed groups. RESULTS: The hazard of suicide was 3.98 times higher for those with ALS than for those without (95% confidence interval [CI] , 2.64-6.00; P < .0001). After adjusting for covariates, those with ALS remained at increased risk (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.31-5.24; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among those seeking care in the VHA, individuals with ALS are at increased risk for dying by suicide. Additional suicide prevention efforts, including strategies for reducing access to lethal means, are warranted.
Authors: Maggie A Stanislawski; Christopher E Stamper; Kelly A Stearns-Yoder; Andrew J Hoisington; Diana P Brostow; Jeri E Forster; Teodor T Postolache; Christopher A Lowry; Lisa A Brenner Journal: Brain Behav Immun Health Date: 2021-09-14
Authors: Lilian Calderón-Garcidueñas; Elijah W Stommel; Ravi Philip Rajkumar; Partha S Mukherjee; Alberto Ayala Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-03 Impact factor: 3.390