Does duration of depression predict suicidality?

Abstract

Background

To describe the associations between depression and suicidality in the general population.

Methods

Data were derived from the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS), a prospective epidemiologic study of a representative sample of 7076 adults aged 18-64, interviewed in three waves (baseline, one year and three years after baseline) with the CIDI.

Results

3% of the population reported suicidal thoughts and 1% a suicidal act in the past year. women were more at risk then men (RR=1.83). Suicidal thoughts were associated with mood disorders (RR= 12.09), especially dysthymia (RR = 26.42). The same associations were found for suicidal acts (mood disorders RR= 11.9; dysthyma = 45.6). Incident suicidal thoughts (in three years time) were reported by 2.7% of the population and new suicidal acts by 0.8%. Bipolar disorder was strongly related to new suicidal acts.

Suicidality is persistent for almost 30% of those affected over a period of one year.

Conclusions

From the mood disorders, dysthymia is mostly correlated with suicidality. This raises the question whether suicidality is more related to duration of the depressive disorder than severity.