Does CTE cause suicide?

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Many news articles and media outlets have reported that CTE causes suicide because several athletes who died from suicide had then been diagnosed with CTE through postmortem examination. However, the relationship between CTE and suicide is unclear and complex. There is no single cause that results in suicide. Suicide is, tragically, all too common and is one of the most complex of human behaviors. Having CTE does not inevitably make a person take their own life. However, symptoms of CTE can cause changes in mood (including sadness, hopelessness, and anger) as well as an inability to control one’s impulses. Therefore, it is hypothetically possible that someone with CTE may be at a higher risk of suicide or suicidal behavior, but this does not mean that just because someone has CTE they will attempt or commit suicide. Regardless of an underlying cause, suicide is preventable. Refer to: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.