SUICIDAL PLANS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE STROKE

The clinical correlates of suicidal thoughts were examined among a gro up of 301 patients with acute stroke. A total of 20 patients (6.6%) ha d suicidal thoughts. Previous history of stroke was associated with su icidal thoughts. Suicidal thoughts, however, were not related to sever ity of physical impairment. Most patients with suicidal thoughts met c riteria for major depression. Other risk factors included younger age, poor social support, sensory deficit, and impaired cognitive function . Patients with suicidal plans had depression characterized by social withdrawal and brooding and self blame. Early identification of risk f actors including the existence of depression may lead to effective the rapeutic intervention.