ABSTRACT
This study aimed at identifying the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal tendency of depressed patients. A descriptive correlational design was utilized in this study. A sample of convenience of 100 depressed patients was recruited from the Out-patient Clinic of Tahnasha Psychiatric Hospital in El Minia Governorate. A socio-demographic data sheet, Suicidal Tendency Scale, Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale [DASS] were used to achieve the purpose of the study. A semi-structured interview method was used to collect data from patients. Results of this study revealed that, almost two third of the subjects were females, married, illiterate, unemployed, residing rural areas, and most of them were in the age group ranged from 20-39 years old. More than one third of the subjects were attempting suicide from one to three times or more. A statistically significant correlation was detected between suicidal tendency and psychological distress. In conclusion, depressed patients are having multiple stressors, social, environmental, and interpersonal factors that with their personality character can aggravate the symptom of depression and interfere with their productivity, initiation, and prevent the interaction with others. It was recommended that, a training program should be designed for nurses who are dealing with depressed patients and specially those who are at risk for suicide to provide them with knowledge about how to assess those patients, evaluate their needs, and prevent the risk of suicide