Understanding the origins of suicide is the first step in preventing it. Re
view of the current literature has revealed only limited data from general
practice and community samples; most research has been performed on inpatie
nt psychiatric populations, and extended follow-ups are rare. Mood disorder
s were found to be highly associated with suicide, especially in patients w
ith major depressive disorder. Depression is an important factor in suicide
s of adolescents and the elderly, but those with late-onset depression are
at higher risk. Both comorbidity with other disorders, such as anxiety and
agitation, and rapid changes in the depressive state, for instance after re
lease from the hospital, increase the risk for suicide.