Mood Disorders and Suicide

The mood disorders unipolar major depression and bipolar disorder increase the risk of suicidalideation, attempted suicide, and death by completed suicide. This article reviews the epidemiologicdata on the relationship between mood disorders and suicide, with an emphasis on the substantial riskof suicide, while reassessing older data that may no longer apply. Widespread underdiagnosis andundertreatment of major depression and bipolar disorder contribute to an unacceptable risk of suicide,a preventable tragedy.