Lifetime Suicide Risk in Major Depression: sex and age Determinants

Gender & age stratified calculations were made on the 1994 USA population using a mathematical algorithm. Sex-specific corrections for under-reporting were incorporated into the design. The lifetime suicide risks for men & women were 7% & 1%, respectively. The male:female ratio for suicide risk in major depression was 10:1 for youths under 25 & 5.6:1 for adults. It is concluded that although suicide in major depression is predominantly a male problem, female sufferers should not be overlooked.