Depression, Diagnostic Sub-Type and Death: a 25 Year Follow-Up Study

Mortality rates over 25 years were assessed in 212 patients admitted for depression or depressive symptoms. More patients had died than expected (80, including 13 suicides). Females, but not males, experienced significantly higher mortality than the general population. When suicides were excluded, neither the group as a whole nor females alone demonstrated excess mortality. Rigorously diagnosed depressive sub-type did not predict mortality. Mortality, particularly from suicide, was disproportionately greater in the first 2 years after index admission suggesting that the follow-up of patients hospitalized with depression must be especially asidious during the years immediately after admission. (41 refs.)