Suicidal behavior in the medical patients

The current article provides a comprehensive overview of the empirical literature on risk potential of suicidal behavior (SВ), i.e., suicidal ideation, plans, attempts, suicide in patients with a variety of medical illnesses. The most common risk factors are significant associated with a disabling diagnosis or chronic medical condition after adjusting for the effects of socioeconomic status, comorbid chronic medical diseases, depressive mood, and alcohol use. i.e., some diseases per se may be an independent risk factor for suicidality. The findings support the need to screen for suicidality in general medical settings, over and above use of general depression instruments. Comprehensive care models involving peer/community social interventions targeted in these specific subgroups of patients. Primary care practitioners have been identified as one of the key gatekeepers in suicide prevention efforts. Additional studies are needed to further clarify why SВ are associated with medical and neurological diseases, in order to improve quality of life, alleviate patient distress, and prevent suicide attempts, and to examine possible mechanisms and pathways that account for such associations.