In Major Depressive Disorder, what is the term for thoughts or behaviors that might lead to suicide?

In the context of Major Depressive Disorder, the term that specifically refers to thoughts or behaviors that might lead to suicide is "suicidal ideation." This term encompasses a range of thoughts, from vague considerations of death to detailed planning of suicide. Suicidal ideation can be an indicator of the severity of depression and presents a critical risk factor that healthcare providers need to assess and address in patients.

Self-harm refers to behaviors where individuals intentionally inflict harm upon themselves, which may or may not be associated with suicidal intent. Depressive symptoms encompass a broader range of the emotional and physical manifestations of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but do not specifically designate thoughts of suicide. Psychotic features refer to symptoms such as delusions or hallucinations that may occur in severe cases of depression but are not inherently tied to suicidal thoughts.

Thus, while other options address relevant topics within Major Depressive Disorder, suicidal ideation is the precise term used to describe thoughts or plans concerning self-directed violence or suicide.