Suicidal Behavior in the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose of Review Since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been numerous social changes to try to ​​contain the spread of the disease. These sudden changes in daily life have also changed the way we relate to others, in addition to creating a climate of uncertainty and fear. Therefore, the objective of this review is to compile published data of the consequences of suicidal behavior in the first months from the onset of the pandemic. Recent Findings The analysis reflects a concern about issues related to suicide since the beginning of the pandemic. A large number of online surveys have been released and have provided data on relatively large populations. The percentage of the population with suicidal ideation in that period seems to be approximately 5–15%. Many studies associate suicidal ideation with being young, female, and presence of sleep problems. Surveys of healthcare workers do not seem to indicate a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation compared to the general population. The incidence of suicide attempts seen in emergency departments did not seem to change, while the number of visits for other issues, unrelated to suicide, did decrease. The few studies on completed suicide do not indicate an increase in incidence in these first 6 months since March 2020, when the WHO declared the start of the pandemic. Summary It does not seem that there have been major changes in the figures related to suicidal behavior in the studies from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it is still too early to know the consequences it will have long term. The social and economic damages resulting from the pandemic will certainly take a long time to recover.

Suicidality in psychiatric emergency department situations during the first and the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic

“…Three studies found upward rebounds in post-lockdown periods [ 25 – 27 ], another found a downward rebound after loosening of restrictions[ 20 ]. A review by Giner et al focusing on the first 6 months of the pandemic found no overall change in suicidal behavior, although pointing out the preliminary nature of most included papers and that long term consequences may have an effect at a later phase of the pandemic [ 45 ]. In our sample, the first-wave but not the second-wave was an independent risk factor for all three suicidality outcomes (Table 2 ).…”

GALR2 and Y1R agonists intranasal infusion enhanced adult ventral hippocampal neurogenesis and antidepressant‐like effects involving BDNF actions

“…Suicide is considered the worst outcome or consequence of MDD, over 700,000 human lives are lost every year (Elias et al, 2022 ). Moreover, during the COVID‐19 pandemic, multiple challenges have arisen, such as loneliness or financial hardship, producing about 34% prevalence of depression in general population, with 5%–15% suicidal ideation in that period (Giner et al, 2022 ).…”

Anxiety and Depression Levels and Coping Strategies among Polish Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The sensitivity of this group is also emphasized by the observation that there was an increased psychiatric hospitalization rate for younger individuals during the pandemic [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. In addition, younger people were also at an increased risk of committing suicide during this period [ 33 , 35 , 36 ]. This data further reinforces the findings that young people are particularly vulnerable to mental health disorders and suggests that they may need increased support during difficult times, such as during the pandemic and the associated social isolation.…”