In young people with a depressive disorder, does diagnostic specificity matter in the prediction of suicidality?

Abstract

While suicidality is clearly associated with depression in young people, predicting which young people with depression will experience suicidal ideation or attempts is an ongoing dilemma for clinicians. This study examined the association of suicidality in young people with major depressive disorder compared to those with dysthymic disorder to investigate whether major depressive disorder, typically considered a more severe disorder, is associated with greater frequency and severity of suicidality. The study showed no distinction between the diagnoses on the basis of the frequency and severity of suicidality. Clinicians should assess the level of depressive disorder symptom severity as well as suicidality when assessing young people, regardless of depressive disorder type. Any suicidality should be treated and carefully monitored.

Keywords:

• young people
• depression
• suicide
• suicide risk assessment
• suicidality