Depression and Suicide: Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Course overview

16.2 million adults reported depression episodes in 2016. The prevalence of depression was highest among adults ages 18 to 25 years. Among adolescents, 12.8% of the population ages 12 to 17 report at least one major depressive episode. In the United States, 40,000 people die by suicide on a yearly basis. Worldwide, 800,000 people die by suicide each year and many more attempt it. Suicide is the 17th leading cause of death worldwide and the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Early detection, assessment, and effective intervention are vital in caring for patients with medical illnesses who may also be suffering from depression. Patients with medical illness are at risk for depression, and depression may be complicating treatment and the ability to recuperate effectively. Underdiagnosed and undertreated depression may be taking an enormous toll on the resources of both the patient and the family.