Psychiatry Investig.  2021 Jan;18(1):39-47. 10.30773/pi.2020.0174.

Risk of Suicide Attempt after Thyroidectomy: A Nationwide Population Study in South Korea

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 2Department of Data Science, Evidnet, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
  • 3Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
  • 4Department of Psychiatry, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 5Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and Head and Neck Cancer Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 6Korean Psychological Autopsy Center (KPAC), Seoul, Republic of Korea
  • 7Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Medical Device Management & Research, and Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Abstract


Objective
To investigate the association between thyroidectomy and suicide attempt.
Methods
A nationwide population-based electronic medical records database of South Korea between January 1, 2009 and June 30, 2016 was used to investigate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of suicide attempts and probable suicide attempts before and after thyroidectomy using a self-controlled case series design.
Results
In 2,986 patients who attempted suicide or probable suicide, the IRRs of suicidal behaviors during risk periods one year before and after thyroidectomy were investigated. Generally, after thyroidectomy, there was no increase in IRR compared to the non-risk period. When data were analyzed according to thyroidectomy type, after partial thyroidectomy, IRR increased up to 1.43 (95% CI: 1.03–1.98, p=0.032) in the days 91–181 period. In the subgroup with major depressive disorder (MDD), the IRR increased up to 1.74 (95% CI: 1.21–2.51, p=0.003) before thyroidectomy, and increased up to 1.67 (95% CI: 1.16–2.41, p=0.006) after thyroidectomy.
Conclusion
Although the general risk of suicide attempt was not increased after thyroidectomy, patients with MDD showed increased risk of suicide attempt before and after thyroidectomy. These results suggest that suicidality should be evaluated when depressive symptoms are present in patients who have undergone thyroidectomy.

Keyword

Suicide attempt, Thyroidectomy, Incidence rate ratios
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