There are no epidemiological stud ies that provide evidence to differentiate the risk of sui-
cide from a major depressive episode due to another medical conditio n compared with the
risk from a major depressive episode in general. There are case reports of suicides in
association with major depressive episodes  associated with another medical condition.
There is a clear association between serious medical illnesses and suicide, particularly
shortly after onset or diagnosis of the illness. Thus, it would be prudent to assume that the
risk of suicide for major depressive episodes associated with medical conditions is not less
than that for other forms of major depres sive episode, and might even be greater.
Functional Consequences of Depressive Disorder 
Due to Another Medical Condition
Functional consequences pertain to those asso ciated with the medical condition. In gen-
eral, it is believed, but not es tablished, that a major depres sive episode induced by Cush-
ing’s disease will not recur if the Cushing’s dise ase is cured or arrested. However, it is also
suggested, but not established, that mood syndromes, including depressive and manic/
hypomanic ones, may be episodic (i.e., recurring ) in some individuals with static brain in-
juries and other central nervous system diseases.
Differential Diagnosis
Depressive disorders not due to another medical condition. Determination of whether
a medical condition accompanying a depressive disorder is causing the disorder depends
on a) the absence of an episode(s) of depressive episodes prior to the onset of the medical