Depression in young women who have attempted suicide

Findings from a questionnaire assessment of depression in three groups of young women whose suicide attempts were of widely differing medical lethality are reported. No significant difference in the degree of depression between patients whose suicide attempt required intensive care unit resuscitation, those who required some cautionary medical observation, and those whose attempt produced negligible physical effect was found. Furthermore, on the basis of a decision-rule applied to their questionnaire responses, one-third of patients in each lethality group were allocated to the "endogenous" category of depression. Recent literature delineating depression in younger patients is noted, and comment is made on the possible therapeutic implications.