title: Suicide following an infestation of bed bugs.
abstract: METHODS
  Male, 62.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bipolar disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Bordeline personality disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  -
  
  
  METHODS
  Bed bug infestation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Psychiatry.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Unusual clinical course.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  In the past decade, bed bug infestations have been increasingly common in high income countries. Psychological consequences of these infestations are rarely examined in the scientific literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present a case, based on a coroner's investigation report, of a woman with previous psychiatric morbidity who jumped to her death following repeated bed bug infestations in her apartment. Our case report shows that the bed bug infestations were the likely trigger for the onset a negative psychological state that ultimately led to suicide.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given the recent surge in infestations, rapid action needs to be taken not only in an attempt to control and eradicate the bed bugs but also to adequately care for those infested by bed bugs.
authors.affiliation: Montreal Public Health Department, Montreal, Canada ; Research Centre of the University of Montreal Hospital Centre, Montreal, Canada ; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.forename: Stéphane
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Perron
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Susser
keywords: bed bugs; psychiatry; suicide