Impact of traditional Korean medicine on suicide prevention in depression: A nationwide 10-year follow-up study

Over 5 and 10 years, 182 (9.9 %) and 314 (17.1 %) patients showed worsening depression, with small, non-significant reductions in TKM users (5-years SHR 0.962, 95 % CI 0.727-1.27; 10-years SHR 0.869, 95 % CI 0.697-1.08). Suicide incidences were low, with no significant difference (5-years SHR 1.00, 95 % CI 0.25-4.01; 10-years SHR 0.666, 95 % CI 0.236-1.88). TKM utilization was not significantly associated with reduced suicide rates or depression worsening. These findings highlight the need for enhanced mental health training in TKM practices and integrated care approaches.