Depression is most common underlying contributor among cases of attempted/completed suicide. There is dearth of information regarding suicidal intent among people with depression and its relationship with hopelessness among Indians.

To evaluate and describe the intent of suicide in people with depression among north Indian population.

This cross-sectional single point, study was performed at the department of psychiatry, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India. Cases were in the age group of 18–60 years with major depressive disorder as per DSM-IV TR criteria. Following tools e.g. Hamilton depression rating scale (HRS), Beck's hopelessness scale (BHS) and suicide intent questionnaire (SIQ) were used for assessment.

Suicidal intent was observed among 68.1% (n = 49) of study sample (n = 72). There was no significant (P > 0.05) association of suicidal intent with socio-demographic factors except domicile status. Suicidal intent was common among people with moderate to severe depression and those with hopelessness. The hopelessness was present among 70.8% of subjects.

Suicidal intent is prevalent among people with major depression. Intervention at initial stage of suicidal intention would of importance for successful preventive measure. This emphasizes the need for evaluation of suicidal intent in cases of depression.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.