Depression and Suicidal Behaviors in Medicare Primary Care Patients Under age 65

A study was used to examine suicidal behaviour & depression prevalence among a group of Medicare patients under age 65 with functional impairment & recent significant health care services use. The Paykel questionnaire for suicidal ideation & attempts, the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview Major Depressive Episode Module, & the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale were administered at baseline; 14.8% of the patients indicated suicidal ideation during the past year, 25.9% indicated at least 1 lifetime suicide attempt, 34.6% had a major depressive episode in the last month. (94 refs)