Adolescent Suicide: Epidemiology, Psychological Theories, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Abstract

Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people worldwide. Adolescence is a developmentally important phase of age due to the growing risk for suicide and prevalence of psychiatric disorders, as well as due to growing possibilities for prevention and treatments. Research findings in theoretical considerations, in psychological autopsy studies as well as in selected follow-up studies of clinical populations and suicide attempters analyzing risk factors for youth suicides are reviewed emphasizing the most recent data. As youth suicides are rare, research on risk factors for youth suicidal ideation, deliberate self-harm behavior and attempted suicide are also briefly reviewed. Family-related adversity, precipitating interpersonal problems, and particularly psychiatric disorders constitute risk factors for adolescent suicide. Mood disorders, substance abuse and prior suicide attempts are strongly related with youth suicides. However, recent psychological autopsy studies in China have found substantially lower rates of psychiatric disorders among suicide victims compared with those in the Western countries. Recognition and effective treatment of psychiatric disorders, e.g. depression are essential in preventing adolescent suicides. As only seldom young suicide victims have received psychiatric care, broad prevention strategies are needed in health care and social services. Education of physicians to recognize youth at risk, and restricting access to lethal means are recommended to prevent suicides. For high-risk youth providing continuity of care is important. Recent treatment studies among suicidal adolescents have reported promising results on safety planning and increased therapeutic contact early in treatment.

Non‐Fatal Suicidal Self‐Poisonings in Children and Adolescents over a 5‐Year Period (2007–2011)

“…and one-third later than 4 hr after exposure. The time criterion for gastric lavages was fulfilled in less than half of the cases, and in every fourth case, the procedure was performed when it was unlikely to be beneficial.The problem of suicides in children and adolescents as one of the leading causes of death is widely discussed [1][2][3][4][5]. Suicide is the fifth among the leading factors of death for children between 9 and 13 years of age and the third for adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age in the USA [6].…”

Presentation of Suicide Attempts to the Emergency Department: Clinical Features of Early and Late Adolescents

“…One World Health Organization source reports that the mean annual suicide rates per 100,000 are 0.5 for girls and 0.9 for boys among 5-to-14-year-olds (10). According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), more girls than boys attempt suicide, but more boys complete the act (11)(12)(13)(14).…”

An Adolescent with Suicidal Behavior After Liver Transplant

“…8 Our case contains previously identified risk factors for suicidal behavior in adolescents, including depression, anxiety, disruptive behavior, and conflict with family members. 9,10 The prevalence of suicide attempts in girls has been reported to increase significantly at age 13 years. 9 School problems, family conflicts, and puberty have been associated with mood symptoms in young transplant patients.…”