FRIDAY, March 7, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- People suffering major depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are more likely to attempt suicide.
And women with both disorders have a higher suicide risk than men with both disorders, says a study in the March issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The study examined personality disorder, history of childhood abuse and aggression as risk factors for suicidal acts.
A third of the people who report childhood neglect or abuse develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the experience of childhood abuse doubles the risk of developing major depression.
The study found that more women than men reported childhood abuse and developed PTSD.
The increased risk of suicide attempts in people with PTSD and major depression emphasizes the need for mental health professionals to assess depressed people for PTSD to better assess suicide risk.
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that a person can develop after they experience or witness life-threatening events such as violent personal assaults, serious accidents, disasters, military combat or terrorist attacks.
People with PTSD often re-experience the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks. They may have difficulty sleeping and feel uncomfortable with activities they once enjoyed.
More information
Here's where you can find out more about suicide.
