OBJECTIVE

[corrected] We analyze the presentation and duration of symptomatology and the treatment received by depressed patients prior to their suicide attempt.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study using data from the medical records of patients -over 60- who were hospitalized for attempted suicide in Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires (1999 to 2002). Diagnoses: DSM-IV criteria (by 2 trained GPs) and MMPI, Rorschach, and HDS.

RESULTS

The initial symptomatology was: asthenia, weight loss, anhedonia and hopelessness. 83% with 1 to 6 months of duration. Patients who were under treatment with a psychiatrist (45.8%) were receiving: 7 adequate antidepressant doses (100% with SSRI), 3 insufficient doses (Tricyclic), and 1 no AD at all. 100% were on BDZ. 63% with neuroleptics. Of the remaining 13 patients, 11 were under treatment with a GP. This group were receiving: 2 the right antidepressant therapy (SSRI), 1 insufficient doses of Amitriptyline, and 8 were under no antidepressant therapy (72.7%). 6 of these 8 patients received BDZ and 1 was medicated with Haloperidol.

CONCLUSIONS

The entire group taken into account, were not receiving the right treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. The duration of the depressive symptomatology prior to the attempt was long enough to be detected.epidemiological