Suicide After Successful Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

The authors observed a high rate of suicide in a large cohort of patients with movement disorders treated with deep brain stimulation. Apparent risk factors included a previous history of severe depression & multiple successive surgeries, whereas there was no relationship with the underlying condition, deep brain stimulation target, electrical parameters, or modifications of treatment. Paradoxically, all patients experienced an excellent motor outcome following the procedure. The authors propose that patients at high risk for suicide be excluded from this surgery. (10 refs.)