Abstract

BARBOSA, Fabiana de Oliveira; MACEDO, Paula Costa Mosca  and  SILVEIRA, Rosa Maria Carvalho da. Depression and suicide. Rev. SBPH [online]. 2011, vol.14, n.1, pp. 233-243. ISSN 1516-0858.

The aim of this paper is to review recent contributions about the clinical features of depression that are linked to the suicide outcome, the difficulties of detection by physicians of depression, lack of social support that hinders the proper treatment, the discussion and analysis of this complex and multidimensional phenomenon considered, as well as preventive measures and adoption of strategies for addressing populations at risk for suicidal behavior. Method: We selected articles in the Scielo database in the last ten years, according to the criteria of multidimensionality of the content (biological, psychological, conscious and unconscious, interpersonal, sociological, cultural and existential). Readings were also used in some specialized books on the subject. Discussion: Suicide is a major cause of mortality worldwide, mostly affecting young adults. In Brazil, 24 people commit suicide daily. The literature shows that the association between suicide and mental disorders is more than 90%. He further points out that there is a close relationship between psychopathology and suicide, with a prevalence of major depression (about 43.2% of cases). They also reported that personality traits such as aggressiveness and impulsiveness have an important role in triggering suicidal acts. Faced with this panorama, where suicide is still treated as taboo, there is the need to demystify the subject, taking into consideration the trauma that leads to social suicide. Conclusion: The lack of information and clarification about the risks of self-destructive behavior on the part of relatives and health professionals themselves, leads to wide gap between the needs of those who have suicidal ideation and attitudes of people making their living, expanding possibilities to prevent the suicide. Detect and properly treat depression reduces suicide rates.

Keywords : Depression; Suicide; Impulsive behavior; Prevention; Psychopathology.

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