RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Asthma and suicide-related adverse events: a review of observational studies
JF European Respiratory Review
JO EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 287
OP 292
DO 10.1183/09059180.00005211
VO 20
IS 122
A1 N. Iessa
A1 M.L. Murray
A1 S. Curran
A1 I.C.K. Wong
YR 2011
UL http://err.ersjournals.com/content/20/122/287.abstract
AB Suicide is a major public health concern. There are several risk factors associated with suicide. Chronic illnesses, such as asthma, have been linked to an increased risk of suicide-related events. This study reviews the evidence of an association between asthma and suicide using published epidemiological observational studies. An electronic search using PubMed and EMBASE was performed. Studies that investigated the association of asthma with suicide-related behaviour were selected. Studies were examined to form a descriptive analysis. Six observational studies met the selection criteria, of which at least one suicide-related adverse event was studied. Three studies investigated completed suicide, two suicide attempts and four suicide ideation. Two of the studies focused on individuals aged <18 yrs. Evidence from observational data support the hypothesis of an association between asthma and suicide-related behaviour (ideation, attempts and completion); however, epidemiological studies, with more objective measures and larger sample sizes, adjusting for a wider scope of suicide-related confounding factors (e.g. comorbidities), and with a longitudinal design, are needed for a more conclusive answer.