Prospective Study of Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide Among Patients With DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder

This study investigated risk factors for attempted suicide among psychiatric out- & in-patients with major depressive disorder in Vantaa, Finland. 269 patients were included & followed up at 6- & 18-month interviews with a life chart. During the 18-month follow-up, 8% of the patients attempted suicide. The relative risk of an attempt was 2.50 during partial remission & 7.54 during a major depression episode, compared with full remission. Numerous factors were associated with this risk, but lacking a partner, previous suicide attempts & total time spent in major depressive episodes were the most robust predictors. (29 refs.)