Depression Clinical Pearls

not always easy to recognize in one’s self or others

Ever wonder if someone you know suffers from depression? Some red flags could include: presence of sleep disturbance (too much or to little), decrease interest, inactivity, guilt real or imagines, low energy or atypical energy, unable to concentrate, change in appetite.

Want to check if someone with depression or on antidepressants is suicidal? Try to tease out of them what is their plan, what would is the intent and search/be suspicious of past attempts.

Risk factors for suicide in depressed people include;

older age

white male

Native American

living alone

chronic pain

FACT:

In US a suicide occurs every 15 minutes, world-wide every 40 seconds

Once diagnosed treatment should be for 9-12 months

MYTH:

Family history of suicide is not a risk factor

Failed attempts make it unlikely person really wants to kill him or herself