Assessing Suicide Risk: The Role of Head Injuries in Clinical Practice

A UK population study found adults with documented head injury had about a 21% higher likelihood of subsequent suicide attempts than matched peers.

The increased risk remained after adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic deprivation and prior mental‑health history, reducing confounding by key demographic and clinical factors.

Using national UK population data, investigators compared adults with documented head injury to controls with suicide attempts as the endpoint.

These results support routine mental‑health screening after head injury—specifically assessment for suicidal ideation, depression and substance misuse. Prior self‑harm or established psychiatric illness substantially amplify post‑injury suicide risk; when present, adopt a low threshold for early psychiatric referral and safety planning and embed these steps in early recovery plans.

Head injury can trigger prolonged mood, anxiety and impulse‑control disturbances that warrant longitudinal mental‑health follow‑up. Coordination between neurology and psychiatry and routine psychological assessment within post‑injury care pathways may help reduce long‑term suicide risk.

Key Takeaways:

• A population analysis quantifies a measurable post‑injury increase in suicide attempts: roughly 21% higher likelihood among adults with documented head injury. This frames head injury as a contributory suicide risk factor.
• Adults with documented head injury—particularly those with prior psychiatric history or self‑harm—are most affected. The 21% figure can guide risk stratification and prioritization for follow‑up.
• Integrate routine mental‑health screening and lower thresholds for psychiatric referral into early recovery plans. Use the 21% increased likelihood to inform resource allocation and follow‑up intensity and operationalize these steps promptly.