Health & Medical Mental Health

Economic Depression and its Impact on Suicide Rate

Hard times and depression, more often, go together. Thus, the recent U.S. economic slump had sent many Americans to emotional lows. Reports of suicide have started an upward trend.

Statistical data show that suicide and the economy are tightly connected. The rate is noted to be relatively high during periods of major economic recessions in the country. The Great Depression and the end of the New Deal in the 30s, the oil crisis in the Persian Gulf in the 70s and the economic slump of the early 80s - all had manifested a statistical impact in suicide trends. The suicide figure declines during times of economic expansion, hitting its lowest in 2000 when the U.S. enjoyed relative prosperity.

Suicide was the tenth leading cause of U.S. fatality in 2007, translating to 11.3 out of 100,000 people. Psychiatrists and researchers have forecasted an upward trend in 2012, and possibly lasting through 2016. This is based on the suicide outcome in Japan following the nation's severe economic slump. The same scenario is expected as the Americans feel the impact of the recession on their lives. Economic stressors are known to cast their depressive gloom that may result in suicide.

Family histories of suicide, violence, mental disorder or substance abuse are also risk factors. Anyone who has attempted suicide is likely to commit it again. A major risk factor to suicide death is a prior suicide attempt. No single therapeutic approach is applicable for all people considering suicide or suicidal tendencies. Treatments in most cases include psychotherapy, drug medication or both. Treatments may include drug medication, cognitive therapy or a combination of both.

Cognitive and behavioral approaches are intended to divert a patient with suicidal tendencies to other ways of solving the problem. They are also meant to help patients see themselves and their environment on a more positive light. Behavioral methods that help alleviate the patient's feelings of depression and anxiety, and to help him cope with social pressure and inhibitions include personality development, problem-solving, interaction skills, and muscle relaxation.

Antidepressants act on the chemical conduits in the brain that are related to the mood. The more popular types are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Antidepressants should not be taken without the doctor's approval and advice to ensure that proper medication is provided and the risks involved in the treatment are assessed accordingly. Some antidepressants are not recommended to be ingested with other medications or substances to avoid adverse effects.

Moreover, antidepressant drugs should not be taken by pregnant women as they can lead to serious defects on the fetus in the womb. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had, in fact, released a warning on one of the popular antidepressants, Paxil, that is known to result to certain birth defects. Paxil birth defects lawsuit [http://www.paxilbirthdefectlaw.com/updates/americans-relying-on-antidepressants-and-other-medications-during-tough-economic-times/] have claimed the real and potential risks that pregnant women encounter with the drug.
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