Cryptocurrency Transactions and Attempted Suicide, An Emerging Challenge: A Case Report

Abstract

Cryptocurrency has emerged as a new tool for commerce, and it has some similarities to gambling, frequently leading to financial bankruptcy, which can predispose, precipitate, or perpetuate mood disorders, suicide attempts and suicide. We report a case of a 26 year old single unemployed man who attempted suicide following financial bankruptcy due to sharp decline in the market value of Bitcoin. Prior to the attempt; he had history of depressed mood, loss of interest and enjoyment. He had psychomotor retardation, depressed mood and preoccupied with suicidal thoughts. He was managed as a case of attempted suicide secondary to severe depressive episode without psychotic symptoms. Financial loss associated with cryptocurrencies is a potential risk factor that may adversely affect emotional well-being and leads to severe depressive episode with suicidal attempts. There is need for public enlightenment on the negative impact of the possible financial loss in cryptocurrencies transaction may have on mental health.