Preoperative risk factors for suicide in candidates for weight loss surgery

Suicide risk factors were examined in surgical weight loss (SWL) candidates and compared with weight management (WM) patients in an attempt to better understand the increased risk for suicide after bariatric surgery. Participants included 145 SWL and 103 WM patients. Body-mass index, thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, acquired capability, suicidal ideation, prior suicide attempts, and lifetime history of abuse were assessed. Perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, prior suicide attempts, lifetime physical abuse, and suicidal ideation were lower in SWL patients. SWL patients may demonstrate lower preoperative risk for suicide due to socially desirable responding or a sense of hope regarding their upcoming surgery. Additionally, the unique physical and psychological aspects of undergoing bariatric surgery may be associated with postoperative increases in suicidality.