(PO-176) Suicidal Ideation and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective, Single-Center Case Series

Abstract

Objective: In the few months since the first cases were reported, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic and significant source of morbidity and mortality. Case reports from early-hit countries raise concerns for potential worsening behavioral health outcomes, including suicidality, due to infection and/or related psychosocial and financial stressors. Our project offers an early examination of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on suicidality for patients hospitalized at a tertiary hospital in a hard-hit urban area.

Data Sources and Study Selection: We performed a retrospective chart review of all hospitalized adult patients who required psychiatric consultation during the first month of the COVID-19 outbreak (March 15, 2020 - April 15, 2020). Charts were reviewed for key demographic factors including COVID-19 infection status, premorbid/active behavioral health and substance use concerns, and presence of suicidality.

Cases/Results: We present six cases, outlining important demographic, psychiatric, and psychosocial risk factors for suicidality in the setting of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We further contextualize the cases with additional data regarding all COVID-19 related consultations for suicidality during this period.

Discussion: Our findings add to the growing literature on psychiatric implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and offer additional insights into potential risks factors for suicidality in vulnerable patient populations, as well as in patients with no premorbid psychiatric issues. Conclusion: To our knowledge, we present the first case series on suicidality coincident with the COVID-19 pandemic in a tertiary hospital setting. Further investigation of the topic is clearly warranted.