Comparison of unipolar depression patients with and without suicide intervention in terms of social functioning and coping skills

Objective: In this study; It was aimed to compare the social functionality and coping skills of unipolar depression patients with and without suicide attempt who applied to the Mental Health and Diseases clinic. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients with unipolar depression, 50 with suicide attempt and 50 without suicide attempt, who applied to the Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University Hospital Health Practice and Research Center Mental Health and Diseases Clinic were included in this study. A sociodemographic data form, Beck Depression Scale, COPE Scale, Functioning Assessment Short Test , Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale and Suicidal Ideation Scale were administered to the participants. Results: It was found that the age of onset of the disease was earlier, the number of depressive episodes was higher, they were exposed to sexual abuse more than the other group, and the diagnosis of depression was higher in their first-degree relatives, in group who have attempted suicide and these differences were statistically significant. Considering the scale scores used in the study; It was observed that the group with suicide attempt scored higher on Beck Depression Scale, Functioning Assessment Short Test, Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale, and Suicidal Ideation Scale, and these differences were found to be statistically significant. Considering the COPE scale scores of the participants; It was determined that those with suicide attempt used the dysfunctional coping subscales 'focusing on the problem and revealing emotions', 'behavioral disengagement' and 'substance use', problem-focused coping subscales 'holding back' and emotion-focused subscales 'use of emotional social support' more frequently. Conclusion: In the light of the data we obtained; patients with a diagnosis of depression who have attempted suicide; It was determined that depression and suicidal thoughts were more severe, their social functionality was lower than the group without suicide attempt, the group with suicide attempt used dysfunctional coping attitudes more, and these factors were thought to be risk factors for suicide. Longitudinal studies are needed to better elucidate the cause-effect relationship and to understand suicidal behavior.