Korean J Psychosom Med.  2020 Jun;28(1):29-35. 10.22722/KJPM.2020.28.1.29.

Effect of Untreated Depression in Adolescence on the Suicide Risk and Attempt in Male Young Adults

• Yang CM
• Lee SY

• KMID: 2503767
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.22722/KJPM.2020.28.1.29

Abstract

Objectives
：Evidence regarding the association between untreated depression in adolescence and suicidal risk in male young adults is scarce. We aimed to assess the effect of untreated illness during adolescence on the suicidal risk and attempt after that first episode.
Methods
：As part of a cross-sectional study, between May 2017 and April 2018, a total of 260 patients with currently unipolar or bipolar depression were included in the final analysis. Multiple linear and logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate the association between untreated mood disorder in adolescence and its effect on the suicidal risk and attempt.
Results
：In total 260 patients, 189 were classified as untreated group. The proportion of suicide attempts, total depression score, suicidal risk and number of suicide attempts were significantly higher in the untreated group. The most predictive factors of suicide attempts were history of untreated depression [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)= 4.19, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=2.25-7.81, p<0.001] and diagnosis of bipolar depression (AOR=2.60, 95% CI=1.52-4.46, p<0.001).
Conclusions
：Although the untreated depression suggests higher rates of suicidality, a significant proportion (86.7%) of adolescent depression in this study did not receive psychiatric treatment. Future research should be needed to find better ways to decrease barriers in using mental health treatment and its contribution to reduction and prevention of adverse outcome.

Keyword

Depression; Bipolar disorder; Suicide; Adolescent; Young adulthood