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Suicidal ideation in lung transplant recipients: A case series
Author(s) -
Rynar Lauren Z.,
Merchant Mekhala S.,
Dilling Daniel F.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.918
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1399-0012
pISSN - 0902-0063
DOI - 10.1111/ctr.13263
Subject(s) - medicine , psychosocial , suicidal ideation , anxiety , social support , transplantation , lung transplantation , psychiatry , depression (economics) , distress , psychiatric history , social isolation , suicide attempt , poison control , suicide prevention , clinical psychology , medical emergency , psychotherapist , psychology , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Background Suicidality, a term referring to suicidal ideation and/or suicide attempts, has been understudied in lung transplant recipients, despite the well‐documented period of high stress following transplantation. Understanding the full clinical picture of psychiatric morbidity before and after lung transplant is vital to supporting survival. Methods Suicidality among lung transplant recipients was examined through case studies of 5 lung transplant recipients at Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Medical records were reviewed for demographic and psychosocial variables during the pre‐ and post‐transplant periods to identify common factors. Results Patients presented with suicidal ideation within the first 2 years of receiving lung transplantation; 4 of 5 endorsed a plan and/or intent to act and 2 made suicide attempts. Pretransplant prescription medication mismanagement, pretransplant depression or anxiety, and post‐transplant depression and anxiety were each present in at least 3 of 5 cases and appeared related to the development of suicidality. Social support issues were also prominent, including changes in available supports, interpersonal distress, and social isolation or lack of support. Conclusion Patients presenting with psychiatric comorbidities or limited social support at any phase of the lung transplant process should be monitored closely. This case report draws into focus the need for systematic and ongoing psychological evaluation following lung transplantation.