Educational Program Impacts Suicidal Thoughts of Individuals with Autoimmune Conditions

Abstract

Abstract Rationale Some research has suggested a relationship between suicidality and autoimmune diseases. This study documents the effects of an 8-week community educational program on suicidal ideation severity in participants with autoimmune conditions. Methods Participants were educated in healthy lifestyle habits during a once a week for 8 weeks program, each program lasted 2 hours. Instruction included control of thoughts, benefits of a plant-based diet, proper exercise, adequate sunlight, and sleep hygiene. No patient-doctor relationship was established. Each individual took the depression and anxiety test before and after the program which measures depression, symptoms of depression, suicidal ideation, demographics and autoimmune conditions. Suicidal thoughts were reported as None or rare, About 1/4 of the days of week, 1/2 of the days of a week and almost every day. Results From n=431 participants that had an autoimmune condition and finished the 8 week program, at baseline 62% (n=267) participants reported no suicidal thoughts. Those with suicidal thoughts, 15% (n=65) reported suicidal thoughts 1/4 of the days, 13% (n=56) reported suicidal thoughts 1/2 of the days, and 10% (n=43) reported suicidal thoughts almost every day. Upon completion of the 8 week program: 85% (n=368) had no suicidal thoughts, 8% (n=36) had suicidal thoughts 1/4 of the days, 4% (n=17) had suicidal thoughts 1/2 of days, and 2% (n=10) had suicidal thoughts almost every day. Conclusion The program was effective in decreasing quantity and quality of suicidal thoughts. Only a small number of participants did not improve (6%) and only 3% became worse.