Management of Mental Health Disorders, Substance Use Disorders, and Suicide in Adults with Spinal Cord Injury

This guideline addresses mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and suicide risk in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). It highlights that these issues are often under-recognized and undertreated in individuals with SCI, despite their increased prevalence. The guideline is designed for both mental health specialists and SCI rehabilitation professionals. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating common mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders, as well as addressing suicide risk. The guideline aims to provide practical answers regarding the prevalence, risk factors, screening, assessment, and treatment of these disorders, particularly within rehabilitation settings, to improve the overall care and quality of life for individuals with SCI.

• 1
  Suicide is at least 3 times more common in individuals with SCI than in individuals without SCI, and anxiety and PTSD are at least twice as prevalent.
• 2
  Estimates of depression in the first year after SCI range from 20% to 40%, and estimates range from 13% to 40% for anxiety disorders following SCI.
• 3
  Comorbid mental illnesses and SUDs aversely influence SCI-related symptoms such as pain, as well as functioning, level of independence, community participation, quality of life, and mortality.