PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SUICIDAL INTENT IN FIRST-TIME SUICIDE ATTEMPTERS

Background: Suicide is a major public health issue in India, with depression being the most common psychiatric disorder linked to attempts. However, the association between depression severity and suicidal intent in first-time suicide attempters remains underexplored. Aim: To assess the prevalence and severity of depression and suicidal intent among first time suicide attempters and examine their correlation Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy, from March to August 2025. Fifty consecutive patients aged 18 60 years admitted after a first suicide attempt were evaluated. Depression severity was measured using the Montgomery as berg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and suicidal intent with the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS). Data were analyzed with SPSS v29.