Suicidal Ideation in RSD Patients
Over the past few years, mental health has become a significant focus of modern society and its healthcare system. This has been driven by a campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, psychiatric conditions, and addiction while increasing the resources that are available to those who suffer from these horrible diseases. The recent number of celebrity deaths by suicide has led to an increased awareness of the symptoms that these individuals must have experienced. For those who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), also called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), mental health is a real issue. According to a research paper which was recently published in Investigative Psychiatry, some of the statistics related to chronic pain and suicidal ideation include:
- About a third of individuals who suffer from chronic pain have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life
- Around one out of every five people who suffer from Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) contemplate suicide
- Between 5 and 10 percent of those who suffer from this disease will attempt suicide at some point in their life
These statistics highlight just how serious this disease can be. Because of the severity of the symptoms related to RSD, people need to know about the risk factors related to suicidal ideation in people with RSD.
Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Patients with RSD
Mental health issues are some of the most significant complications of RSD. A recent research study was conducted to analyze a group of individuals who had been diagnosed with RSD. The hope was that risk factors related to suicidal ideation could be identified. The average age of the individuals in the study was 36. About 80 percent of them were diagnosed with RSD type 1. The risk factors related to suicidal ideation, based on the study, are:
- Loss of ability to engage in activities they used to find joy in
- A loss of appetite
- Difficulty sleeping at night
- Social isolation
- A feeling of a lack of support from those around them
These results should show everyone just how important it is to rely on family and friends for help. It can prevent suicidal thoughts from setting in.
Professional Mental Health Counseling
With these results in mind, it is vital for anyone who is having thoughts of suicide to seek help from a mental health professional. Meeting with a psychiatrist can help those with mental health problems figure out why they feel this way and manage their thoughts and emotions. For individuals with RSD, meeting with a counselor is a good idea even if people feel okay. It might prevent mental health problems from developing.
Help From A Legal professional
When someone has been diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, they could be feeling despair. They might be looking for help managing the many stressful issues that come up with this syndrome. Families who are looking for help should meet with an experienced RSD Lawyer in Sacramento if the negligence of someone else caused their injury. Speaking with a legal professional can help a family assess all of the options that are available to them.
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Contact an Experienced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Ed Smith, an RSD Lawyer in Sacramento. If you or a family member has developed this painful condition, please give me a call at 916-382-0693 for free, friendly advice.
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