Suicidality And Financial Crisis

Background: Several articles refer to the negative health effects of the Greek current economic crisis. Within this context, increased percentages of suicidal attempts and ideation have been associated recently in Greece with the financial crisis. The aim of this paper is to clarify the association of suicidality (suicidal attempts and ideation) with socio-demographic, financial, psychological and psychiatric factors in the years 2009 and 2011 (before and after the implementation of the "memorandum of economic and financial policies" in Greece). Methods: Two nationwide, cross-sectional surveys were conducted from February to April of the years 2009 and 2011. The interview questions covered socio-demographics, the SCID I module for the detection of Major Depressive Episode (1-month prevalence) and the Index of Personal Economic Distress (IPED). Results: We have found that for the year 2011 participants who were male, and who had major depression, serious financial difficulties (high IPED score) and a history of suicide attempt(s) were more likely to experience suicidal ideation or to attempt a suicide. Conclusion: Early detection of depression especially in males and those experiencing financial distress is of great importance for reducing suicidality, especially in times of economic hardships.