Correlation of Suicidal Thoughts and Suicide Attempts in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

 The chronicity of multiple sclerosis (MS) plays a key role in 25% of suicides. Therefore, it is essential to assess the other influential factors in this regard.

 The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in patients with MS and the correlated factors.

 This cross-sectional study was conducted on 203 MS patients referred to the MS Society of Kermanshah, Iran during August-October 2015. Data were collected using a checklist of demographics and patient records, Ifudu comorbidity index, 100-meter walk test, and Beck’s depression and suicidal thoughts scales. Data analysis was performed using binary logistic regression analysis.

 In total, 30% of the patients had suicidal thoughts, and 8.4% had suicide attempts. After adjustment for demographics, the obtained results indicated that illiterate patients (P < 0.05) and those with a higher depression grade (P < 0.001) were at a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. Illiteracy, older age at the first diagnosis, and being a housewife or unemployed (P < 0.05) significantly decreased the likelihood of suicide attempts, while comorbidities, suicidal thoughts, and depression (P < 0.05) significantly increased the likelihood of suicide attempts.

 Since MS patients are highly prone to suicidal thoughts and even suicide attempts, providing training and preventive psychological interventions are recommended for high-risk cases, such as illiterate patients with challenging jobs, young patients, and patients with comorbidities and depression.