SUICIDAL IDEATION AND THE RISK OF ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN MAJOR DEPRESSION

ABSTRACT
Objective: To assess the rate of suicidal ideation and attempts in patients with major depressive disorder
Method: A semi-structured proforma was used to record the sociodemographic variables, psychiatric and medical
history of the patients. They were clinically assessed for depression. The severity of the major depressive episode was
measured objectively using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and BECK Suicidal Inventory .Diagnosis
of the current depressive episode was based on the DSM-IV criteria.
Results: Analysis of the data show that the incident of suicidal attempt was 14.5% in patients with suicidal ideations,
statistically a high threat of suicidal attempts was found in individuals 25 to 35 years of age.
Conclusion: All the patients who express suicidal ideation do not attempt suicide. Suicidal attempts were reported in
only 16.6% of the patients with major depressive episodes having suicidal ideation. A significantly higher number of
patients in the age group of <30 years attempted suicide