OBJECTIVE:
To identify the risk for suicidal behavior in women who had a fetal loss resulting from ectopic pregnancy and verify the association of suicide risk with depression and psychosocial aspects.
METHODS:
Thirty-one women diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy were interviewed. Major depression was identified using the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders questionnaire. The Prenatal Psychosocial Profile questionnaire was used to measure stress, social support and self-esteem.
RESULTS:
We found that 16% (n = 5) reported suicide risk behavior. The correlation between suicide risk and symptoms of major depression, stress and guilt was statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS:
Depression and stress have been linked to the presence of suicide risk, further increasing the vulnerability of women with ectopic prgnancy, which generates intense emotional reactions as guilt.
KEYWORDS:
Ectopic Pregnancy; Risk of suicide; Depression; Stress; Guilt