The association between physical illness/medical conditions and suicide risk

Physical diseases and mental disorders often present together increasing the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Several studies have documented high rates of suicidal behavior among patients suffering from a variety of medical conditions (Berman & Pompili, 2011; Mackenzie, Popkin, & Blumenthal, 1990), and several authors have identified medical conditions as a risk factor for suicide (Berman, Silverman, & Bongar, 2000). Medical conditions are also frequently associated with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, which are all related to suicidal thoughts (Scott et al., 2007).