Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior

Abstract

This review examines the descriptive epidemiology, and risk and protective factors for youth suicide and suicidal behavior. A model of youth suicidal behavior is articulated, whereby suicidal behavior ensues as a result of an interaction of socio-cultural, developmental, psychiatric, psychological, and family-environmental factors. On the basis of this review, clinical and public health approaches to the reduction in youth suicide and recommendations for further research will be discussed.

A Dimensional Model of Psychopathology Among Homeless Adolescents: Suicidality, Internalizing, and Externalizing Disorders

“…Psychopathology; Suicidality; Internalizing; Externalizing; Homeless adolescents Dimensions of adolescent suicidality and psychopathology are of increased concern to clinicians and researchers (Bridge et al 2006;Verona et al 2004). This interest can be attributed to the relatively high prevalence of adolescent suicidal ideation and suicide attempts (Evans et al 2005) and to suicide being the third leading cause of death among youths ages 15-24 in the USA (Hoyert et al 2006).…”

“…Moreover, psychiatric disorders are among the strongest correlates of adolescent suicidality (Bridge et al 2006). Mood disorders are robust correlates, but post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorders are also associated with suicidality (Bridge et al 2006;Evans et al 2004).…”

“…Research also indicates both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts increase the risk for completed suicide (Brown et al 2000). This pattern of increased liability for suicide risk has led to a broader conceptualization of a suicide spectrum ranging from suicidal ideation to attempted and completed suicide (Lewinsohn et al 1996).Moreover, psychiatric disorders are among the strongest correlates of adolescent suicidality (Bridge et al 2006). Mood disorders are robust correlates, but post-traumatic stress disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorders are also associated with suicidality (Bridge et al 2006;Evans et al 2004).…”

“…Given the low base rate and methodological difficulties associated with studying completed suicide, researchers have focused attention on the more common suicidal ideation and attempts, which might aid in preventive efforts (Lewinsohn et al 1996). Indeed, suicidal ideation increases the likelihood of a suicide attempt (Bridge et al 2006), and past suicide attempts are predictors of completed suicide (Brown et al 2000).Suicidal ideation and attempts occur in a range of psychiatric disorders, although few individuals diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder attempt or commit suicide (Lewinsohn et al 1996). Consequently, it has been argued that psychopathology is a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for suicidal behavior (Apter and Ofek 2001).…”

“…A diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder has also been related to suicidality in samples of adolescents (e.g., Brezo et al 2006;Giaconia et al 1995). It is also established that conduct and substance use disorders have a relationship with suicidality in community samples of adolescents (Bridge et al 2006;Evans et al 2004;Lewinsohn et al 1996). …”