Exploring suicidal ideation and behaviour following dementia diagnosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring suicidal ideation and behaviour following dementia diagnosis from the perspective of those living with dementia: A narrative analysis approach
IRAS ID
332554
Contact name
Sarah Butchard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 7 months, 31 days
Research summary
Previous research suggests increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviour following dementia diagnosis. One study estimated that around 28% of people who have a dementia diagnosis have thought about or attempted suicide (Ortner et al., 2021). Identifying and supporting suicidal ideation is therefore an area of importance for people living with dementia (Holmstrand et al., 2021); however, previous research lacks the consideration of lived experience, The current research therefore aims to interview people living with dementia, who have experienced suicidal ideation or engaged in suicidal behaviour in order to develop an understanding of their experiences. This could lead to the development of better and more reliable assessment and management techniques to enhance support for people living with dementia who are experiencing thoughts of suicide.
The research will be advertised via posters in NHS settings, social media and dementia research and support groups. Up to 12 people who are living with dementia and who have experienced suicidal thoughts or behaviour following their diagnosis will be recruited. Eligibility criteria includes: having a dementia diagnosis; experiences of suicidal ideation/behaviours following diagnosis; has capacity to consent; can understand and speak English; is willing to talk about their experiences.
Eligible participants will be offered a face-to-face or remote interview. Semi-structured interviews will explore participants’ experiences of suicidal ideation and/or behaviour following a dementia diagnosis. Interviews will be audio recorded and transcribed. They will be analysed using narrative analysis with the aim of understanding participant’s personal stories.
The study will end when the final version of the thesis which is required as part of the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology is submitted.
We do not have any formal funders. Basic costs (up to £1000) will be covered by the DClinPsy programme at the University of Liverpool.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/LO/0970
Date of REC Opinion
6 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion