What is the major concern for patients with untreated depression?

The major concern for patients with untreated depression is the risk of suicide. Depression can significantly impair an individual's mood, thinking, and overall functioning, often leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. When these feelings intensify, they may culminate in suicidal thoughts or actions. The pervasive sense of isolation and overwhelming emotional pain caused by untreated depression elevates the risk of suicide, making it a critical issue that requires immediate attention and intervention.

In contrast, the other options suggest positive outcomes such as increased academic performance, better social interactions, and improvement in physical health, which are not typically associated with untreated depression. In fact, untreated depression may lead to academic decline, difficulty in maintaining social relationships, and negative impacts on physical health due to neglect of self-care or worsening of comorbid conditions. Thus, recognizing the risk of suicide as the primary concern highlights the urgent need for effective identification and treatment of depression in at-risk individuals.