Inadequate Response to Therapy as a Predictor of Suicide

The role of response to cognitive therapy as a predictor of suicide was examined by comparing 17 outpatients with mood disorders who committed suicide with 17 matched controls who did not commit suicide. The suicide victims attended significantly fewer sessions of cognitive therapy & dropped out of therapy more frequently. They also had higher levels of hopelessness at the termination of therapy. Premature termination of therapy & inadequate response to treatment may predict eventual suicide.