The risk of suicide may be increased in some patients with bipolar disorder. Ouali identified risk factors which can help to identify patients who may benefit from more aggressive management. The author is from Razi Hospital in Mannouba, Tunisia.
Patient selection: bipolar disorder type 1
Risk factors for suicide:
(1) depressive polarity
(2) comorbid anxiety
Factors associated with reduced risk:
(1) strong religious belief that suicide is forbidden
(2) hyperthymic (positive) temperament
Other factors that may be associated with a risk for suicide:
(1) female gender
(2) history of a suicide attempt
(3) delay in diagnosis (with or without initial misdiagnosis)
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