Self-image and factors associated with suicidal ideation were studied among adolescents (N=168, age 17.7+/-2.3 years, 72% girls) seeking psychiatric assessment. The Structured Clinical Interview, Beck Depression Inventory and Offer Self-Image Questionnaire were used. Suicidal ideation (SI) was reported by 64% of subjects, of whom 20% received no psychiatric diagnosis and 58% had depressive disorders. SI in boys associated with being bullied at school and talking about one's problems only with friends, and in girls with a negative attitude towards the future and a negative self-image of one's own mental health. Because suicidal ideation frequently occurs without formal psychiatric diagnosis it should be assessed separately. Special attention should be paid to adolescents' negative self-perception.

The effects of therapeutic relationships on the treatment outcome in 45 adolescent inpatients, aged 14 to 18 years, were assessed using the Working Alliance Inventory, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, the Global Assessment Scale, and The Offer Self-Image Questionnaire at entry and on discharge. Multivariate analysis revealed that a better quality of working alliance and a greater number of therapy sessions were significantly associated with positive change in cognitive performance during treatment.

Despite the small study sample, these findings indicate that parental psychiatric problems and alcohol abuse are correlated with adolescent psychological problems and should be considered and assessed when assessing adolescents.

This prospective study examined psychosocial and cognitive functioning among adolescents with major depressive disorder and conduct disorder under comprehensive psychiatric inpatient care. Nonverbal and general cognitive performance, self-image, and overall psychosocial functioning improved in both groups. Nevertheless, more changes in self-image and family functioning were found among patients with major depressive disorder. Mental health services should still have the capability of offering long-term residential care for adolescents with the most severe mental disturbance.

Background: Psychiatric treatment of suicidal youths is often difficult and non-compliance in treatment is a significant problem. This prospective study compared characteristics and changes in cognitive functioning, self image and psychosocial functioning among 13 to 18 year-old adolescent psychiatric inpatients with suicide attempts (n = 16) and with no suicidality (n = 39)