Depression And Suicide: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, And Treatment

Course overview

During any one-year period, about 10% of the population suffers from a depression. And the risk of suicide is increased in people with depression, with about 60% of those committing suicide experiencing depression at the time. The World Health Organization projected in 2004 that depression would rank first in the global burden of disease.In the U.S., 38,364 people died by suicide in 2010. The number of suicide attempts — 25 times higher than actual suicides — is of grave concern. 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.