Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Average time from depression diagnosis to suicide is 4.5 years: study
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By Kim Hyun-bin
Individuals diagnosed with depression, who later died by suicide, had, on average, a duration of 4.5 years between diagnosis and death, while one third of them took their own lives within one year of being diagnosed, a recent study revealed on Sunday, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for depression.
The study carried out by the Korean Foundation for Suicide Prevention outlined a comprehensive analysis of data based on 210 individuals who received a diagnosis of suffering from depression and underwent medication therapy before taking their own lives.
The foundation collected the data through psychological autopsies, which is the systematic procedure of investigating the cause of suicide by interviewing family members and colleagues as well as analyzing suicide notes, from 2015 to 2022.
On average, the 210 individuals surveyed took 53.42 months to progress from a depression diagnosis to suicide. Within this period, 23 died within one month of diagnosis, 54 within six months and 81 within one year.
Those with prior occupational and economic stress experienced a shorter period from depression diagnosis to death, compared to those without such stressors.
Additionally, the presence of anxiety-related symptoms and difficulties with sleep three months before death significantly impacted the duration from diagnosis to death, with individuals experiencing these symptoms having a shorter length of time between diagnosis and death than those who did not.
"In order to address these findings, it is crucial to establish an environment for continuous early intervention for depression," the report stated.
Researchers recommended implementing measures such as suicide education and training for primary care physicians and facilitating the prompt approval of antidepressant prescriptions by connecting patients to depression clinics.
The study also referenced Hungary's case, where similar policies led to a reduction in the national suicide rate.