Suicidal Ideation Research Articles

Examining missingness at the momentary level in clinical research using ecological momentary assessment: Implications for suicide research.

The use of intensive time sampling methods, such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA), has increased in clinical, and specifically suicide, research during the past decade. While EMA can capture dynamic intraindividual processes, repeated assessments increase participant burden, potentially resulting in low compliance. This study aimed to shed light on study-level and psychological variables, including suicidal ideation (SI), that may predict momentary prompt (i.e., prompt-to-prompt) completion. We combined data from three EMA studies examining mental health difficulties (N = 103; 10,656 prompts; 7144 completed), using multilevel models and machine learning to determine how well we can predict prompt-to-prompt completion and which variables are most important. The two most important variables in prompt-to-prompt completion were hours since the last prompt and time in study. Psychological variables added little predictive validity; similarly, trait-level SI demonstrated a small effect on prompt-to-prompt completion. Our study showed how study-level characteristics can be used to explain prompt-to-prompt compliance rates in EMA research, highlighting the potential for developing adaptive assessment schedules to improve compliance.

What is known about suicide prevention gatekeeper training and directions for future research.

Suicide prevention training that teaches skills to support a person experiencing thoughts of suicide and create community support networks, often termed, "gatekeeper" training (GKT), has been a longstanding pillar of international, national, and local suicide prevention efforts. GKT aims to improve knowledge, attitudes, and self-efficacy in identifying individuals at risk for suicide, hopefully enhancing one's willingness and ability to intervene with a person experiencing a crisis. However, little is known about GKT's effectiveness in creating the essential behavior change (e.g., increase in intervening behaviors) it sets out to accomplish. This paper explores the history and theoretical background of GKT, reviews the current state of research on GKT, and provides framing and recommendations for next steps to advance research and practice around GKT. Through positioning GKT appropriately within the field of suicide prevention, we argue that the field of suicide prevention needs more rigorous research around GKT that includes long-term follow-up data on usage of skills learned during training, data on outcomes of those who have received an intervention from a trained gatekeeper, and the integration of implementation science to further our understanding of which trainings are appropriate for which helpers.

Understanding suicidal ideation through psychological flexibility and inflexibility: A network analysis perspective

Understanding suicidal ideation through psychological flexibility and inflexibility: A network analysis perspective

Exploring Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Workers with Mental Disabilities Using Machine Learning Ensemble Techniques

Exploring Factors Influencing Suicidal Ideation in Workers with Mental Disabilities Using Machine Learning Ensemble Techniques

The Social Determinants of Suicide among Female Service Members and Veterans : Running Title: Social Determinants of Suicide.

Evaluate the social determinants of health (SDOH) associated with suicidality among female Service Members and Veterans (SMV) in Arizona. Used data from a statewide Arizona Veteran Survey (n = 1,134) to analyze SDOH associated with suicidality (any self-report of suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, or calling a crisis line). Response data were cross-tabulated and analyzed for statistical significance using a chi-square test with a p-value of p < 0.05. Depression, disability, barriers to treatment, housing instability, feelings of loneliness, and more were associated with increased suicidality among respondents. Substance use within the last 30 days, social support, and Veteran social support were not found to be significantly associated with suicidality. Female SMV populations experiencing social, economic, and health disparities appear to be at higher risk for suicide. These findings suggest that future suicide prevention efforts may be more effective if tailored towards populations in need of additional support and social services.

Suicide decision-making: Differences in proximal considerations between individuals who aborted and attempted suicide.

The transition from suicidal thoughts to behaviors often involves considering the consequences of suicide as part of the decision-making process. This study explored the relationship between this consideration process and the decision to either abort or carry out a suicide attempt. Among inpatients with a suicide-related event in the past 2 weeks (suicide attempt n = 30 or aborted attempt n = 16), we assessed the degree to which they considered six domains of consequences, the impact of these considerations on their inclination to attempt suicide, and the duration of their decision-making. All the participants who aborted and 87% of those who attempted considered consequences of suicide. Participants who aborted took longer to progress through decision-making stages and considered more suicide-hindering factors, especially interpersonal ones, though these differences were no longer significant after correction. Group status moderated the relationship between the balance of suicide-facilitating and suicide-hindering considerations and decision-making duration. Considering the consequences of suicide more favorably was related to a shorter ideation-to-action period before a suicide attempt and a longer ideation period before aborting an attempt. This study highlights the complexity of suicide decision-making and its role in better understanding the progression from ideation to action.

Associations of overactive bladder (OAB) with suicidal ideation incidence and all-cause mortality among the U.S. population

BackgroundFew studies have explored the correlation between overactive bladder (OAB) and suicidal ideation. This study aims to investigate the association between OAB and suicidal ideation, as well as the relationship between OAB and all-cause mortality among individuals with suicidal ideation.MethodsData from the 2005–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were analyzed using cross-sectional and cohort study designs. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between OAB and suicidal ideation. Kaplan-Meier curves and weighted multivariable Cox proportional hazards models assessed the relationship between OAB and all-cause mortality among those with suicidal ideation. Interaction analyses on subgroups were conducted to validate the findings. Mediation analysis was performed to examine the effect of depression on the relationship between OAB and suicidal ideation.ResultsAmong 33,426 participants aged ≥ 20 years, 1,290 (3.8%) reported suicidal ideation. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants with OAB were 2.57 times more likely to have suicidal ideation (P < 0.001). Over an average follow-up of 87 months, 197 participants with suicidal ideation died. The Cox model revealed that participants with OAB had a 3.08 times higher risk of death (P = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier curves indicated higher survival rates for non-OAB participants. Mediation analysis indicates that depression significantly mediates the relationship between OAB and suicidal ideation, with a mediation proportion of 75.25% (P < 0.001).ConclusionsOAB is positively associated with the incidence of suicidal ideation and all-cause mortality among participants with suicidal ideation. Additionally, the association between OAB and suicidal ideation is mediated by depression.

Effect of Severity of Depression and Perceived Social Support on Suicidal Ideation among Patients Hospitalized with Substance Use Disorder

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perceived social support and depression on suicidal ideation in inpatients receiving substance abuse disorder treatment.&#x0D; Method: A total of 110 inpatients in an Alcohol and Drug Treatment Center were included in the study. A sociodemographic and clinical information form, Beck Depression Inventory, Suicidal Ideation Scale, and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale were administered to all patients.&#x0D; Results: No significant correlation was identified between total social support score and suicidal ideation, whereas a weak negative but statistically significant correlation was found between social support from family and suicidal ideation scores (r=-0.231; p=0.016). The mean value of suicidal ideation was 2.22 in the non-depressed groupand 10.13 in the severely depressed group. We also found thatpatients whowere exempted from military service and those who had attempted suicide before had statistically significantly higher scores on the suicidal ideation scale.&#x0D; Conclusion: In patients diagnosed with substance use disorder, various factors may increase the risk of suicidal behavior. In particular, patients with insufficient social support, depressive symptoms, unable to carry out their military service and those who have attempted suicide before should be closely followed for suicidal ideation.

Cervical Sympathetic Blockade Produces a Significant Reduction in Suicidal Ideation in a PTSD Cohort: A Case Series of 254 Patients

Background: Suicide is estimated to account for 1.4% of deaths worldwide, making it among one the leading causes of premature death. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has been shown to reduce suicidal ideation in a single case report of a patient with comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation. Aims: To report a significant reduction of suicidal ideation using cervical sympathetic block (CSB), a more advanced version of SGB, in a cohort of patients with PTSD. Methods: 254 patients were evaluated for suicidal ideation via pre- and post-suicide risk assessments by using the Depressive Symptom Index - Suicidality Subscale (DSI-SS) as part of a pre- and post-treatment clinical interview. Further included were other psychiatric measures. Patients received CSB as per clinic protocol. Results: Overall, the patients had an average DSI-SS reduction of 43.8%, PCL-5 reduction of 31.7%, GAD-7 reduction of 22.5%, and PHQ-9 reduction of 35.5%, following CSB. Limitations: Lack of control, given this is an open-labeled, case series study. Conclusion: Cervical sympathetic block is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that may provide significant reduction in suicidal ideation as well as symptoms of PTSD.

Moderated Mediation Analysis Between Burnout and Suicidal Ideation Among Physicians in Türkiye: The Role of Meaning of Life and Satisfaction with Life

In recent years, there has been a belief that there has been an increase in the rate of physician suicides in Türkiye due to the agenda of physician suicides in traditional and social media. While the profession of physician is considered one of the risky professions in terms of suicide ideation, some researchers state that there is no such effect among physicians, those who say that the profession is a risk factor for suicide usually explain that burnout is the cause. However, it is insufficient to explain physician suicides as a cause of burnout alone. In this study, a moderated mediation model was examined to explain how the indirect effect of burnout on physicians' suicidal ideation, through presence of meaning of life (PML), is managed by life with satisfaction (SWL). The sample consisted of 214 physicians working in Türkiye. Data were collected from the participants using Demographic Data, the Burnout Scale-Short Form, Life Satisfaction Scale, Meaning of Life Scale and Suicide Probability Scale. The analysis was tested through PROCESS Macro programme. In order to verify the significance of indirect effects, 5000 bootsrap random samples were used. The findings indicate that meaning of life acts as a mediator between burnout and suicidal ideation and that this mediation is influenced by life satisfaction in conclusion, this study examined the effect of burnout on suicide and the results suggest that the meaning of life and life satisfaction may play a protective role in relation to suicidal ideation.

중학생의 패배감이 자살생각에 미치는 영향: 우울과 적응적 인지적 정서조절전략의 조절된 매개효과

Objective: This study examined the mediating effect of depression in the relationship between defeat and suicidal ideation among middle school students and the moderated mediating effect of adaptive cognitive emotion regulation. Methods: The study participants were middle school students in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gyeongbuk. The data were collected using online self-report questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Process Macro software. Results: First, depression mediated the effect of middle school students’ defeat on suicidal ideation. Second, there was a significant moderated mediating effect in which the effect of defeat on suicidal ideation through depression depended on the level of adaptive cognitive emotion regulation. Conclusions: To prevent suicidal ideation in middle school students, it is necessary to alleviate their irrational sense of defeat and reduce the possibility of defeat leading to depression. In addition, if middle school students are depressed due to their sense of defeat, helping them control their emotions in a cognitive way can be an effective intervention for suicidal ideation.

Prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors among domestic workers

BackgroundDue to urbanization and changes in family structure, the need for domestic workers has surged in many developing countries, including Rwanda. While being employed as a domestic worker presents financial benefits to many of them and their dependents, it also comes with risks and difficulties that might harm the domestic worker's mental health.AimThis study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with suicidal behaviors (i.e., suicidal ideations, plans, and attempt(s)) among domestic workers in Rwanda.MethodIn this cross-sectional study, data was captured from 884 domestic workers in Kigali, Rwanda. Suicidal ideation was measured using questions from the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), while suicide attempts and plans were measured using questions adopted from previous studies in the region. The methods used/plan to attempt suicide were also captured from individuals with a recent history of suicide plan/attempt(s). Three separate regression models were employed to ascertain the factors associated with suicidal behaviors.ResultsThe prevalence of past-year suicidal behaviors was 32.5% for suicidal ideations, 9.5% for suicide plans, and 7.8% for suicidal attempts. Being female and having a chronic medical illness were linked to a higher risk of participating in any form of suicidal behavior. Suicidal ideations were less likely to occur among those who attained secondary education. However, more years of working as a domestic worker were associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal ideations. Having more than five dependents at work increased the likelihood of experiencing suicidal plans or attempts among domestic workers. For those who attempted suicide, overdosing with medications/drugs was the most common method of attempting.ConclusionDomestic workers have prevalent suicide behaviors, especially among females and those with a chronic medical illness, more years of work experience, and those with many household members at work. Based on the present study, for domestic workers at risk, there is a critical need for focused mental health interventions and support networks in various sectors of the domestic labor force.

EFFECT OF EXPOSURE TO VIOLENT CONTENT OF VIDEO-GAMES ON EVOLUTION OF AGGRESSIVE AND SUICIDAL BEHAVIOURS

Background: Exposure to violent video games leads to aggressive and suicidal behaviours. The objective of this study was to compare violence exposure, degree of aggression and suicidal ideation between non-video gamers (NVGs), non-violent video gamers (NVVGs), and violent video gamers (VVGs), and to correlate degree of violence exposure to intensity of aggression and suicidal ideation. Methods: Thirty-six subjects were included in each of NVGs, NVVGs and VVGs groups. Exposure to violence was evaluated through Video Game Questionnaire (VGQ), degree of aggression via Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), and severity of suicidal ideation through Suicide Behaviours Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). ANOVA, Post Hoc Tukey’s test, and Pearson’s correlation were used for data analysis. Results: Degree of violence exposure was significantly different between NVGs, NVVGs and VVGs (p=0.000), and so was intensity of physical-aggression, verbal-aggression, anger, hostility, and suicidal ideation (p=0.000 respectively). Degree of violence experienced by NVVGs and VVGs depicted a positive correlation with intensity of physical aggression [(r=0.467, p=0.004) and (r=0.546, p=0.001) respectively], verbal aggression [(r=0.401, p=0.015) and (r=0.476, p=0.003) respectively], anger [(r=0.564, p=0.000) and (r=0.485, p=0.003) respectively], hostility [(r=0.484, p=0.003) and (r=0.440, p=0.007) respectively] as well as suicidal ideation [(r=0.827, p=0.000) and (r=0.604, p=0.000) respectively] while physical-aggression, verbal-aggression, anger and hostility scores showed an independent positive correlation with suicidal likelihood in both NVVGs and VVGs [(r=0.451, p=0.006), (r=0.484, p=0.003), (r=0.480, p=0.003), (r=0.384, p=0.021), and (r=0.441, p=0.007), (r=0.442, p=0.007), (r=0.458, p=0.005), (r=0.491, p=0.002) respectively]. Conclusion: Exposure to violent video games creates aggression associated suicidal tendency. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(3):27?30, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v20i3.1550

Developmental Predictors of Suicidality in Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review.

Background/Objectives: Schizophrenia (SZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder characterized by a complex interplay of genetic, developmental, and environmental factors that significantly increase the risk of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SAs). This systematic review synthesizes current research on the developmental predictors of SI in individuals with SZ, aiming to delineate the multifactorial etiology of suicide within this population. Methods: A comprehensive search across Medline, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases identified 23 eligible studies, emphasizing the varied methodological approaches and the global distribution of research efforts. Results: These studies demonstrate a robust association between early life adversities, particularly childhood trauma such as physical neglect, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, and the increased prevalence of SI and SAs in SZ. This review also highlights the significant genetic factors associated with the development of suicidality in SZ, raising the possibility that polymorphisms in inflammation-related genes and neurodevelopmental abnormalities may influence susceptibility to SI. Notably, family history of psychiatric conditions may exacerbate the risk of SI through both hereditary and environmental mechanisms. Environmental factors, including socioeconomic status and social support, are also implicated, underscoring the role of broader socio-environmental conditions influencing outcomes. Conclusions: This review supports the integration of biopsychosocial models in understanding SI in SZ, advocating for interventions addressing the complex interplay of risk factors and the need for longitudinal studies to elucidate the dynamic interactions between risk factors over time. This comprehensive understanding is crucial for developing targeted preventive strategies and enhancing the clinical management of SZ, aiming to reduce suicidality in this vulnerable population.

Evaluation and Future Challenges in a Self-Guided Web-Based Intervention With and Without Chat Support for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Randomized Controlled Trial.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on mental health worldwide. Low- and middle-income countries were largely affected by it. Mexico was one of the most affected countries. Extended periods of lockdowns, isolation, and social distancing, among other factors, highlighted the need to introduce web-based psychological interventions to the Mexican population. In this context, Mental Health COVID-19 emerged as a self-guided web-based intervention (SGWI) aimed at adults to improve mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the efficacy of 2 modalities of a self-guided intervention (with and without chat support) in reducing depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation. In addition, it aimed to compare the moderating role of coping strategies, acceptance, and satisfaction in participants' symptom reduction. We hypothesize that the self-guided, chat-supported modality will show higher efficacy than the modality without chat support in achieving clinical change and better performance as a moderator of depression symptoms, generalized anxiety, community posttraumatic stress, widespread fear, anxiety, sleep quality, physiological and affective coping, and suicide ideation, as well as an increase in participants' satisfaction and acceptability. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Data were collected from May 2020 to June 2022. We performed intrasubject measures at 4 evaluation periods: pretest, posttest, and follow-up measurements at 3 and 6 months. Differences between intervention groups were assessed through the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables. Changes due to intervention were analyzed using Wilcoxon W test. Moderated regression analysis was performed to test the hypothesized moderating role of coping strategies, usability, and opinion about treatment on clinical change. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention; of these, 5 (14%) were part of the SGWI group, and 31 (86%) were on the SGWI plus chat support (SGWI+C) group, which included a chat service with therapists. The perceived high complexity of the system for the SGWI group had a moderating effect associated with a lack of efficacy of the intervention regarding depression, but not when controlled for sociodemographic variables. A perception of lower helpfulness of the intervention was associated with poorer outcomes. Coping strategies did not show moderating effects. Enhancing the utility of web-based interventions for reducing clinical symptoms by incorporating a support chat to boost treatment adherence seemed to improve the perception of the intervention's usefulness. Web-based interventions face several challenges, such as eliminating complexities in platform use and increasing the users' perceived utility of the intervention, among other issues identified in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04468893; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04468893?tab=results. RR2-10.2196/23117.

Acute Emotional Impact of Peer Suicide and Student-Related Factors.

This study explored the negative emotional impact of peer suicide on adolescent students during the early stages of becoming aware of suicide and examined the adverse effects of related environmental and mental health factors. This study was conducted from March 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021, targeting students enrolled in middle and high schools where student suicide occurred. Emotional impact was assessed using the Korean version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R-K), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-X, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), and Beck's Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI). χ2 test and Pearson's correlation analysis were performed to analyze subgroup differences and explore relationships between scale scores, respectively. Of the 2,382 participants, 25.1% belonged to the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or PTSD tendency group on the IES-R-K, and 22.2% showed abnormalities in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State. Students in the same class as the deceased student and those in the same grade but in different classes had higher risk rates than those in different grades. Boarding school students had 1.9 times higher odds of experiencing emotional impacts than non-boarding students. On the CES-D, 10.4% of the students showed potential depression, with 3.7 times higher odds of experiencing emotional impact than those with normal scores. Moreover, 4.5% of the students reported suicidal ideation on the SSI, with those experiencing mild suicidal ideation having 1.9 times higher odds of experiencing emotional impact than those with normal scores. A significant proportion of students experienced negative impacts of peer suicide. Students in close-knit environments, such as the same class, grade, and boarding school as the deceased, or those with depression or anxiety experienced a more pronounced negative impact.

Suicidal behaviors among refugee women in Jordan: post-traumatic stress disorder, social support and post-displacement stressors

BackgroundThis paper examines the frequency of suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation or attempt) among a sample of Syrian refugee women living in non-camp settings in Jordan. We asked several questions surrounding suicide and examined the associations between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social connectedness, post-displacement stressors and suicidal behaviors.MethodsParticipants (n = 507) were recruited using a clinic-based systematic sampling from four health clinics throughout Jordan in 2018. We used a multivariable logistic regression to examine the hypothesis of whether positive screening for PTSD (PCL-5), social isolation (have no friends or family members available to help), and greater number of post-displacement stressors (PMLD Checklist) is associated with suicidal behaviors.ResultsApproximately one-tenth (9.86%) of participants surveyed reported suicidal behaviors (suicidal ideation or attempt) in the past six months. Our hypothesis was partially supported. In the adjusted multivariable analyses, screening positive for PTSD [OR:4.02 (95% CI:1.33, 12.15)] increased odds of suicidal behaviors, while having one friend or family member available to help when in need [OR:0.31 (95% CI:0.13, 0.78)] decreased odds of suicidal behaviors. We did not find any associations between the number of post-displacement stressors and suicidal behaviors in the multivariable model.ConclusionAgencies and practitioners addressing suicidal behaviors among Syrian refugee women should provide interventions that aim to reduce PTSD symptoms and social isolation. Potential intervention includes screening for mental health symptoms and suicidal behaviors during routine visits with service providers, as well as providing proper mental health and psychosocial support services according to the mapping of available services.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in People on the Autism Spectrum.

This review synthesizes recent research on suicidal thoughts and behaviors among autistic individuals. We present literature on risk and protective factors, risk assessment, intervention, and crisis services, and recommendations for future research. Literature on this topic has grown substantially in recent years. Areas of advancement include improved understanding of risk factors (e.g., Interpersonal Theory of Suicide constructs, autistic burnout, mental health conditions, cognitive factors, diagnosis timing, emotion dysregulation), screening, assessment, acute-care services, and suicide-specific psychosocial treatments (e.g., safety planning, dialectical behavior therapy). Gaps include protective factors, impact of intersectional identities, and tailored approaches to screening, assessment, and intervention. Heightened awareness of suicide risk in autistic individuals has led to increased understanding of why autistic individuals think about and attempt suicide and the strategies used to identify and reduce suicide risk. We recommend community-partnered, multi-faceted, and strength-based approaches to inform tailored prevention and intervention efforts.

Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Its Regulatory miRNAs as Biological Correlates of Impulsivity in Young Adults.

Background: Impulsivity assessment may serve as a valuable clinical tool in the stratification of suicide risk. Acting without forethought is a crucial feature in the psychopathology of many psychiatric disturbances and corresponds with suicidal ideations, behaviors, and attempts. Methods: We present data on biological and psychological correlates of impulsivity among young adults (n = 47). Psychological analysis included both the self-description questionnaire-Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11)-and neuropsychological behavioral tests, including the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Simple Response Time task (SRT), and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). mRNA and micro-RNA were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Expression levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) mRNA and its regulatory micro RNAs, mir-1-3p, mir-15a-5p, mir-26a-5p, mir-26b-5p, and mir-195-5p, were analyzed using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method. proBDNF and BDNF plasma protein levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Significant correlations between BDNF mRNA and mir-15a-5p as well as proBDNF levels and mir-1-3p were detected. proBDNF protein levels correlated with motor and perseverance, while mir-26b correlated with cognitive complexity subdimensions of the BIS-11 scale. Correlations between BDNF, miRNAs, and the results of neuropsychological tests were also detected. Conclusions: The BDNF pathway shows a clinical potential in searching for biomarkers of impulse-control impairment. BDNF-regulatory micro-RNAs are detectable and related to clinical parameters in the studied population, which needs further research.

Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Allied Health Sciences Students Regarding Depression Among Patients

ABSTRACT: A prevalent and dangerous medical condition that hurts a person's feelings, thoughts, and behavior is depression. As stated by WHO, “A typical symptom of depression is a loss of interest in activities that one usually enjoys and a persistent sadness that lasts for at least two weeks, making it difficult to carry out daily activities”. Additional symptoms include low energy, altered appetite, increased or decreased sleep, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions, restlessness, feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or unworthiness, and suicidal thoughts. In 2015, it was projected that there were over 300 million cases of depression worldwide or 4.3% of the world's population. As per the 2015-2016 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), one in every 20 Indians has depression, and approximately 15% of adult Indians require active care for one or more mental health conditions. According to statistics, depression accounts for 7.5% of all years survived with an infirmity in 2015, making it the leading cause of disability worldwide. When depression reaches its worst, it can result in suicide, which claims the lives of over 800,000 individuals annually. For those aged 15 to 29, it is the second most common cause of death1. Allied Health Sciences Students as primary health care workers/professionals will play an important part in identifying the symptoms of depression if any in a patient even when they come for a different health issue.