The suicide rate has not changed dramatically in the recent past, despite advances in psychiatric and mental health treatment, suicide prevention and awareness programs, and reorganization of health services. Depression and the mood disorders which may affect 15% of the population are the conditions most associated with high suicide rates (in addition to psychotic conditions that are relatively rare). Research findings into specific conditions within the depressive disorders that might predict suicidal tendencies are sparse, except for other common comorbid conditions such as panic and alcohol abuse. Research into risks and protective factors has infrequently included religious and spiritual variables that have been associated with decreased rates of depression, suicide, suicide attempts and suicidal ideation.