Attempted and completed suicides after subthalamic nucleus stimulation for Parkinson's disease. Issue 8 (10th April 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Soulas, T; Gurruchaga, J-M; Palfi, S; Cesaro, P; Nguyen, J-P; Fénelon, G
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 79:Issue 8(2008)
• Page Start: 952
• Page End: 954
• Publication Date: 2008-04-10
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2007.130583
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : A higher than expected frequency of suicide has been reported among patients undergoing subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) for advanced Parkinson's disease (PD). We conducted a retrospective survey of 200 patients with PD who underwent STN DBS. Two patients (1%) committed suicide and four (2%) attempted suicide, despite clear motor improvements. Suicidal patients did not differ from non-suicidal patients with respect to age, disease duration or preoperative depressive and cognitive status. Suicidal behaviour was associated with postoperative depression and/or altered impulse regulation. Suicidal behaviour is a potential hazard of STN DBS, calling for careful preoperative assessment and close postoperative psychiatric and behavioural follow-up.