A doctor can make a diagnosis after having ruled out other causes, based on the following established criteria. If you have been thinking about suicide, or if you have a friend about whom you're concerned, it is important that you speak with someone immediately. Contact a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or a member of the clergy if suicide is a concern. For a list of national organizations that can provide you with confidential information, see Available Resources . Click here for a list of suicide risk factors.
Suicide is a very real risk for people who suffer from depression.
Abuses drugs or alcohol. Although risk increases with age, teenage suicides are increasing. Other explanations for these symptoms may need to be considered, however, if you answered yes to five or more of these questions, you may be depressed. Fortunately there are effective treatments for depression, and with appropriate therapy, most people can recover and enjoy life again. 13 Psychotherapy alone can be effective for patients with mild to moderate depression.