Suicide remains a significant public health issue, with over 36,000 deaths annually in the United States and a large number of non-fatal suicide attempts. More than 90% of people who die by suicide have a psychiatric disorder, with common risk factors including younger age, lower educational attainment, and unemployment. Veterans are also a particularly high-risk group, accounting for around 20% of all US suicides.

The study of suicidality has expanded to include neurological illnesses such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, which are associated with higher rates of suicidal ideation and behaviors. Individuals with neurological conditions often experience psychological distress, exacerbated by their physical illnesses, which can increase their risk of suicide. Factors like lack of social support, a history of psychiatric illness, and prior suicide attempts are key predictors of suicide risk. Interventions include improving access to mental healthcare, building psychosocial support systems, and ongoing monitoring for at-risk individuals.

Reference: Coughlin SS, Sher L. Suicidal Behavior and Neurological Illnesses. J Depress Anxiety. 2013;Suppl 9(1):12443. doi: 10.4172/2167-1044.S9-001.