Asthma linked to Increased Suicide Risk, reveals research

Researchers have found in a new study that Asthma was associated with a higher risk of suicide, particularly among individuals with hospitalization-prone asthma, nonobese phenotypes, and those with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap.

The study revealed a significant connection between asthma and an increased risk of suicide in adults, with specific subgroups facing an even greater danger. The findings were published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice which highlighted the long-term risks and factors contributing to suicide in individuals with asthma.

The study utilized after data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and analyzed data of over 3.9 million adults aged 20 and older, with a median follow-up period of 12.3 years. Among these participants, 1383 individuals with asthma which accounted for 0.48% of the asthma group, died by suicide. The findings revealed that individuals with asthma were 26% more likely to die by suicide when compared to those without the condition, as shown by an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.26 (95% CI, 1.19–1.33).

The risk was especially pronounced in specific asthma phenotypes. For individuals prone to hospitalization due to asthma, the risk was 61% higher (aHR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.40–1.84). Those with non-obese asthma had a 37% higher risk (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.27–1.64), while individuals with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap faced a 47% increased risk (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22–1.76).

Some coexisting conditions further exacerbated the risk. Underweight individuals with asthma experienced a 2.5 times higher risk of suicide (aHR, 2.54; 95% CI, 2.05–3.16). Mental health disorders significantly amplified the risk, with schizophrenia (aHR, 3.38; 95% CI, 2.28–5.02), depression (aHR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.85–3.68), and anxiety disorders (aHR, 2.47; 95% CI, 2.00–3.05) standing out as major contributors. Similarly, the presence of cancers doubled the risk (aHR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.73–2.84).

Overall, the findings of this research illuminate the urgent need for targeted interventions for individuals with asthma, particularly those belonging to high-risk subgroups. Early intervention, comprehensive asthma management, and mental health support could be key to reducing this risk. Clinicians should be vigilant in identifying mental health challenges and other comorbidities in patients with asthma to provide timely support and care.

Source:

Kim, S. H., Lee, H., Jung, J.-H., Kim, B.-G., Park, D. W., Park, T. S., Moon, J.-Y., Kim, T.-H., Sohn, J. W., Yoon, H. J., Han, K., & Kim, S.-H. (2024). Asthma increases long-term risk of death by suicide: A nationwide population-based cohort study. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaip.2024.11.013