Clinical factors associated with suicide risk independent of depression in persons with epilepsy. (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Soo Jeong; Kim, Hyo Jae; Jeon, Ji-Ye; Kim, Hyun-Woo; Lee, Sang-Ahm
• Is Part Of: Seizure. Volume 80(2020)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Epilepsy -- Depression -- Suicidality -- Antiepileptic drug -- Pregabalin; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Epilepsy -- Periodicals; Seizures -- Periodicals; Épilepsie -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; Electronic journals; 616.853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.05.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1059-1311

Abstract

Highlights: Associations between suicide risk and epilepsy variables were evaluated in persons with epilepsy. Risk of suicide and depression were noted in 31.6 % and 22.2 % of participants, respectively. AED load ≥ 1 was significantly related to a risk of suicide independent of depression. Use of pregabalin was associated with suicide risk in young adult patients. Frequent seizures (≥ 1 per month) were related to suicide risk in adult patients > 40 years. Abstract: Purpose: We determined whether factors related to epilepsy are associated with a risk of suicide independent of depression in persons with epilepsy. Method: This cross-sectional study included adults with epilepsy. Suicidality and depression were assessed with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Patients were divided into two age groups (≤ 40 vs. > 40 years). Presence of suicide risk was defined as a MINI suicidality score ≥ 1. A stepwise logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 212 participants were recruited (52.4 % men). Suicide risk and depression were noted in 31.6 % and 22.2 % of participants, respectively. An antiepileptic drug load ≥ 1 (odds ratio [OR], 4.093–4.152) was significantly associated with a risk of suicide, independent of depression (OR, 5.794), and a past or family history of psychiatric disorders (OR, 2.677). When stratified by age, pregabalin usage (OR, 13.403) in the younger group and high seizure frequency (≥ 1 per month) (OR, 5.748) in the older group were associated with a risk of suicide independent of current depression. Conclusion: The risk of suicide in persons with epilepsy may be associated with epilepsy-related factors such as a high antiepileptic drug load, frequent seizures, and use of pregabalin, independent of depression. Such risk factors may vary depending on the age of the patient.