[Suicidal behavior in dermatology]

Hautarzt. 2008 Apr;59(4):289-96. doi: 10.1007/s00105-008-1509-z.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Even in dermatology one can potentially encounter suicidal patients. A risk of suicide can be preexisting, appear as complication of skin disorders or be triggered by medications such as interferons. Patients at risk must be specifically asked about suicidal ideations and tendencies. Acute suicide risk requires immediate crisis intervention. In dermatology suicide risk has been described in severe acne conglobata (especially men) and metastatic melanoma. Patients with chronic or potentially fatal disease or severe pain may be suicidal. In addition patients with depression, alcohol dependency, substance abuse, schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder are at special risk. We review psychodermatological diseases with risk of suicide and point out treatment strategies. More attention should be focused on the early recognition of a possible risk of suicide in dermatology patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acne Vulgaris / psychology
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Borderline Personality Disorder / psychology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Melanoma / psychology
  • Mental Disorders / chemically induced
  • Mental Disorders / complications*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Psoriasis / psychology
  • Risk Factors
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizophrenic Psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Skin Diseases / complications*
  • Skin Diseases / psychology*
  • Skin Neoplasms / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Interferon-alpha