Suicidal Ideation and Attempts Among Psychiatric Patients With Major Depressive Disorder

As part of the Vantaa Depression Study in Vantaa, Finland, 269 patients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD) were assessed for suicidal behavior. During the current MDD episode, 58% of all patients had experienced suicidal ideation. Among the 15% of the total who had attempted suicide, almost all had also had suicidal ideation. Hopelessness, alcohol dependence or abuse, low level of social & occupational functioning, poor perceived social support, high severity of depression, & younger age predicted suicide attempt. (65 refs)