Depression significantly raises mortality rates and suicide risk. A major study found depression doubles death rates and increases suicide risk tenfold. Early intervention is crucial, especially within the first 180 days of diagnosis. Appropriate treatment, including medication and neurostimulation, can save lives and reduce overall mortality risk. Global collaboration is needed to tackle this public health concern. Depression does more than steal your joy – it can steal your life. Yes, that’s right. Depression can affect how long you live and drastically increase the risk of suicide.The world’s most comprehensive meta-analysis of depression and mortality, led by the Department of Psychiatry at the School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), found that depression doubles mortality rates and increases suicide risk by tenfold. The findings of the study are published in the international journal World Psychiatry.
Recognising signs of depression
Depression is linked to higher mortality
The research analysed data from more than 10 million people living with depression across multiple regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China (including Hong Kong), Singapore, and Korea. It found that depression can significantly elevate mortality risk compared with non-depressed individuals. The risk of suicide increases tenfold in depressed individuals. The study showed that depression also raises the risk of death from various physical diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, neurological disorders, endocrine diseases, and cancer.“Depression is associated with a wide range of natural causes of death, possibly due to common underlying factors such as unhealthy lifestyle habits, including smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, poor self-management of health conditions, and non-adherence to treatments. These factors increase the risks of physical diseases and may also worsen depression management, further elevating mortality risk,” Professor Chang Wing-chung, Chairperson and Clinical Professor of the Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, HKUMed, said.
Why early intervention is crucial
According to the WHO, depression affects more than 332 million people globally (approximately 4% of the total population) and has profound implications for both mental and physical health. The researchers found that the mortality risk among people with depression fluctuates markedly in the five years after diagnosis. The findings revealed that the highest mortality risk is within the first 180 days after diagnosis. This risk was 11 times higher in depressed individuals compared with others. The researchers stressed the importance of early intervention. People with psychotic depression had a 61% higher mortality risk than those with non-psychotic depression. Individuals with treatment-resistant depression had a 27% higher mortality risk. Age and gender also influenced mortality risk.Young women under the age of 25 with depression had six times higher mortality risk than others. In them, suicide rates increased tenfold, and in individuals over 60, the risk was 13-fold.
Early treatment can save lives
The researchers found that appropriate treatment can significantly reduce mortality rates among individuals with depression. They found that using antidepressant medication lowered overall mortality risk by approximately 20%. In people who received neurostimulation-based treatment (electroconvulsive therapy), mortality risk was reduced by nearly 30%. Antidepressant treatment appeared to show more beneficial effects in patients with coexisting physical illnesses. In such people, the mortality risk was lowered by up to 30%.“These findings show that depression is not merely a mental health issue, but a major public health concern closely linked to serious health risks. While depression increases the risk of suicide and death from physical diseases, it is a treatable condition, and there are clear opportunities for prevention and intervention. Timely and appropriate treatment can save lives,” Professor Chang added.The experts urged the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to address the seriousness of depression and strengthen efforts in early identification and intervention.“Regardless of the regional or development context, depression remains a heavy societal burden, affecting the quality of life of those suffering from the condition and their families, as well as the broader economy. There is an urgent need for global collaboration to tackle this issue. We hope to remind all sectors that early identification, sustained treatment, and integrated support are crucial for helping people with depression recover and live longer, healthier lives. With timely and appropriate support — whether through medication, psychotherapy, or neurostimulation — patients can improve their quality of life and significantly reduce their overall mortality risk,” Professor Chang said.
Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.