Suicide risk in depressed methadone-maintained patients: associations with clinical and demographic characteristics

Patients with both depression and drug dependence are at an elevated risk for suicide, yet suicide remains rare and difficult to predict. Clinical and demographic features associated with suicide risk among depressed opiate-dependent patients were examined using baseline data from the Addiction Severity Index and Hamilton Depression Scale. Female gender, violent behavior in the past thirty days and lifetime, and less education correlated with a history of suicide attempts. Family conflict and depression severity correlated with current suicidal ideation. When evaluating opiate-dependent patients with depressive disorders, these features should be considered in efforts to identify those at heightened risk for suicide and plan interventions.