According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 in 1000 French people suffer fromepilepsy, the most common disabling neurological disease in Europe with 6 million patients. Among the 500,000 French patients, there are 90,000 children and adolescents and 75,000 people with disabilities related to their epilepsy.
According to a new study from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (in the United States), people with epilepsy are more likely than others to have an epilepsy. suicide attempt. To come to this conclusion, the researchers worked with data from the US National Violent Death Reporting System – an organization responsible for listing suicide deaths in the United States – and focused on the period 2003 – 2011.
A 22% higher risk of suicide
Result: 17 people aged at least 10 years and suffering from epilepsy in 100,000 committed suicide each year during the period studied, against 14 healthy people out of 100,000. “In the end, it is estimated that, in people with epilepsy, the suicide risk is 22% more important, especially between 40 and 49 years old “explains Rosemarie Kobau, co-author of this report, published in the scientific journal Epilepsy & Behavior.
“Nursing staff and caregivers caring for patients with epilepsy must take this risk into account, warn scientists. In addition, we have noticed that people with epilepsy most often resort to poison to end their epilepsy. days (up to 81%): this is therefore a parameter to be monitored. “
As a reminder, one in 20 French people has already attempted suicide. In 2011, 11,400 suicide deaths were recorded in France – three times more men than women, especially after 60 years. On the other hand, young people are not spared: suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-24 year olds, just behind road accidents.
