Patients at high risk of suicide before and during a COVID-19 lockdown: ecological momentary assessment study.

ABSTRACT: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak may have affected the mental health of patients at high risk of suicide. In this study we explored the wish to die and other suicide risk factors using smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in patients with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Contrary to our expectations we found a decrease in the wish to die during lockdown. This is consistent with previous studies showing that suicide rates decrease during periods of social emergency. Smartphone-based EMA can allow us to remotely assess patients and overcome the physical barriers imposed by lockdown.

SUBMITTER: Cobo A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8060530 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature