Suicidal ideation at 1-year post-stroke: A nationwide survey in China

Abstract Objective Few studies on suicidal ideation have been conducted in post-stroke patients in China. This national study examined suicidal ideation at 1-year post-stroke and explored its demographic and clinical correlates. Methods A total of 1418 patients with ischemic stroke were included. Demographic, clinical characteristics and neuro-imaging information were collected with standardized instruments, including assessment of stroke severity, depression, cognitive impairment, stroke recurrence, physical disability and insomnia. Suicidal ideation was measured using item 3 of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Results The frequency of suicidal ideation in this study was 6.6%. Multivariate analyses revealed that post-stroke depression, disability, all types of insomnia(insomnia early, middle, late)and stroke recurrence at the 1-year follow-up were significantly associated with post-stroke suicidal ideation. Conclusion Post-stroke depression, disability, insomnia and stroke recurrence are possible risk factors of suicidal ideation that warrant attention in clinical practice.