Clinical and Socio-Demographic Corelates in Patients of Depression With Suicidal Behaviour.

Abstract

Background: Suicidal behaviour is frequently seen in context of depression. Few studies have demonstrated sociodemographic distinction between depression with and without suicidal behaviour. This study compares various psycho-socio-demographic factors associated with depression in context of suicidal behaviour. Materials And Methods: 60 depression patients with suicidal behaviour and 60 depression patients without suicidal behaviour were compared using a specially designed intake proforma, ICD-10 diagnostic criteria for research,Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HAMD-17). Results: Depression with suicidal behaviour had more females, married, Hindu, literate, low socioeconomic status, urban locality, nuclear family samples, with earlier age of onset of illness. The total HAM-D scores were signicantly higher in the depression with suicidal behaviour group. Conclusions: Sociodemographic parameters are intricated crucially with suicidality.The present study identies female gender, nuclear family, urban background, unemployment and literacy to be an independent risk factor for suicidality. Suicidal behaviour increases with amount of time spent in depressive illness. Hence socio-demographic factors can be helpful as indicators of suicidal behaviour with depression.