Prevalence and psychosocial correlates of self-reported past suicide attempts among bariatric surgery candidates

Abstract

Background Although research has been limited, suicidal behavior has commonly been identified as a contraindication for bariatric surgery. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of past suicide attempts in a bariatric surgery population at an academic medical center. Methods A retrospective chart review, including the demographic and psychosocial variables, was conducted of 1020 consecutive bariatric surgery candidates presenting during a 32-month period. Results Of the 1020 patients, 115 (11.2%) self-reported ≥1 previous suicide attempt. The patients with a positive suicide history were significantly younger (mean 42.9 ± 11.0 years), less educated (mean 13.4 ± 2.4 years), had a greater body mass index (mean 52.3 ± 11.6 kg/m 2), and were more predominantly single (32.2% versus 20.9%), female (90.4% versus 74.8%), and receiving disability (45.2% versus 21.8%) compared with patients without a suicide history. A positive suicide history was also significantly associated with a history of psychiatric hospitalization, outpatient psychotherapy and/or psychotropic medication, sexual abuse, and substance abuse. Conclusion Assessing suicide history is an important aspect of the bariatric preoperative assessment. Additional research is needed to evaluate the effects of suicide history on the postoperative outcomes and adherence.