Suicide Risk in Depressed Methadone-Maintained Patients: Associations With Clinical and Demographic Characteristics

Clinical & demographic features associated with suicide risk among depressed opiate-dependent patients were examined using baseline data from the Addiction Severity Index & Hamilton Depression Scale. Female gender, violent behaviour in the past 30 days & lifetime, & less education correlated with a history of suicide attempts. Family conflict & depression severity correlated with current suicide ideation. When evaluating opiate-dependent patients with depressive disorders, these features should be considered in efforts to identify those at heightened risk for suicide & plan interventions. (34 refs.)