Depression, Substance Abuse, and Suicide Risk: A Rising Problem

Abstract

Introduction: Suicide is a multifactorial phenomenon that is frequently found in comorbidity with mental disorders, such as depression and substance abuse, which can interact in summation to produce any element of the continuum of suicidal behavior: ideation, planning, attempt, and death by suicide. Objectives: To describe the relationship between depression and other mental disorders with substance abuse and suicidal behavior, and to discuss its implications for mental health services in Mexico. Methods: A narrative review of the literature of articles published national and internationally was carried out to describe the relationship between depression and other mental disorders with substance abuse and suicidal behavior. Results: The review of the literature demonstrates the relationship between depression and substance abuse (mainly alcohol) with suicidal behavior; however, the need for its early diagnosis and timely treatment is indicated, especially in high-risk groups, like adolescents. Conclusions: There is a synergistic relationship between depression and substance use for the presence of greater suicidal behavior, which implies important challenges in mental health care services as early identification and effective management are essential to reduce the impact of the continuum of suicidal behavior.