Can depression kill you

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Can Depression Kill You?

Depression and Suicide Risk

Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, which is one of the leading causes of death among individuals with this mental health disorder. Studies have shown that people with depression are at a substantially higher risk of committing suicide compared to the general population. For instance, individuals with major depressive disorder are up to 30 times more likely to commit suicide . Specific risk factors associated with suicide in depressed individuals include male gender, family history of psychiatric disorders, previous suicide attempts, severe depression, hopelessness, and comorbid conditions such as anxiety and substance abuse .

Depression and Increased Mortality

Beyond suicide, depression is linked to an overall increase in mortality. Research indicates that depression can lead to early death from various causes, particularly cardiovascular diseases. Depressed individuals have a higher risk of dying from heart-related issues, especially following a myocardial infarction, and the severity of depressive symptoms correlates with a higher risk of all-cause mortality, including cardiovascular death and stroke 25. This increased mortality risk is not solely due to suicide; in psychiatric samples, suicide accounts for less than 20% of deaths, while in medical and community samples, it accounts for less than 1% .

Depression's Impact on Physical Health

Depression is not just a mental health issue; it also has significant physical health implications. It can exacerbate chronic illnesses and lead to poorer health outcomes. For example, individuals with both depression and chronic diseases tend to have worse health outcomes than those with chronic diseases alone . Depression can also lead to physical symptoms such as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and unexplained aches and pains, which can further deteriorate an individual's overall health .

Depression in Older Adults

Older adults with depression face unique challenges and risks. This age group has a higher suicide rate compared to younger individuals, and those who attempt suicide are more likely to die from their attempts. Depression in older adults is often under-recognized and under-treated, which can lead to increased disability, poorer outcomes from physical illnesses, and higher mortality rates .

Conclusion

In summary, depression can indeed be fatal. It significantly increases the risk of suicide and is associated with higher mortality rates from various causes, particularly cardiovascular diseases. The impact of depression on both mental and physical health underscores the importance of early detection, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support for individuals suffering from this debilitating disorder. Addressing depression effectively can potentially save lives and improve the overall quality of life for those affected.

Sources and full results

Most relevant research papers on this topic

Risk factors for suicide in individuals with depression: a systematic review.

Male gender, family history of psychiatric disorders, previous attempted suicide, more severe depression, hopelessness, and comorbid disorders are significant risk factors for suicide in individuals with depression.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2013·

1256citations

·K. Hawton et al.

A systematic review of the mortality of depression.

Depression increases the risk of death, particularly from unnatural causes and cardiovascular disease, but its impact on cancer mortality remains unclear.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

1999·

724citations

·L. Wulsin et al.

Editorial: What is depression?

Depression is a complex, heterogeneous disorder with different causes and severity levels, and should be treated differently depending on the individual's needs and circumstances.

Rigorous Journal

2017·

58citations

·A. Stringaris

Depression Status in Korea

Depression prevalence in Korea has increased over time, with the highest suicide mortality rate in the country being 25.8 per 100,000 population.

Rigorous Journal

2018·

20citations

·S. Koo

open access to scientific and medical research Open Access Full Text Article

Depression is a significant and growing global health issue, causing increased mortality, disability, and decreased workplace productivity, resulting in a $36.6 billion annual loss in the US.

Highly Cited

1998·

1031citations

Depression

Major depression is a complex, multifaceted illness with diverse presentations, unpredictable course, and variable response to treatment, making it difficult for clinicians to detect, diagnose, and manage effectively.

Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2018·

1435citations

·G. Malhi et al.

Depression

Depression can cause prolonged feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness, as well as changes in appetite, sleeping patterns, energy levels, and difficulty concentrating.

Highly Cited

2010·

410citations

·T. Fancher et al.

EDITORIAL A Systematic Review of Depression

This special issue explores new insights into treatment or adjunctive treatments for clinical depression, focusing on neurobiological mechanisms, drug mechanisms, REM sleep disturbances, calorie restriction, psychological stress, and herbal medicine.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2015·

134citations

·R. Cui

Depression biomarkers using non-invasive EEG: A review

Non-invasive EEG studies show that depressed brains have a more random network structure, and promising features like gamma band and signal complexity may help detect specific depression-related symptoms like suicidal ideation.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2019·

260citations

·Fernando Soares de Aguiar Neto et al.

Depression in older adults

Depression in older adults is under-recognized and under-treated, leading to increased disability, increased mortality, and poorer outcomes from physical illness.

Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2011·

1305citations

·J. Rodda et al.

Try another search

best medication for panic attacks and anxiety over the counter

oxycontin vs heroin

injectable insulin drugs

what class of drug is weed

cbd oral oil

protein on the go