Preventing suicidal behavior in patients with multiple sclerosis: a scoping review

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Suicidal behavior is a relatively rare occurrence among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nonetheless, it is important to identify and be aware of the constituting risk factors to prevent suicidal behavior among vulnerable patients.

Areas covered: This scoped review will shortly outline well-known biological and psychosocial risk factors for suicidal behavior among MS patients and suggest preventive initiatives. The preventive strategies should include a close monitoring of MS pharmacotherapy to prevent progression, and awareness and early identification of psychosocial risk factors across a variety of heathcare and social instances the patient may encounter during their life with the disease. The staff in these instances should be educated in detecting the MS patients at increased risk and refer them to relevant healthcare instances, including the general practitioner, neurologists, psychiatrist, etc. In addition, referral to social instances to support educational, vocational, and home environment to the state of the disease is of utmost importance.

Expert commentary: Enhancing quality of life for as long as possible by these means may be held to reduce the risk for psychosocial problems and hence suicidal behavior.

KEYWORDS:

• Multiple sclerosis
• suicidal behavior
• suicide
• suicide attempts
• risk factors
• prevention

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.