Relationship of depressive symptoms in mothers and adolescents with adolescent suicides

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of depression symptoms, an important risk factor in suicide attempts, in adolescents who attempted suicide and also in their mothers. Materials and methods: Suicide attempters and their mothers were the participants (n= 141). Patients' sociodemographic characteristics were recorded; Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Hopelessness Scale were administered to the participants. Results: Of the participating patients, 81.6% were female, 41.1% were between 13-15 years old, 51.8% were older than 16. Vast majority of the cases (94.3%) were suicide attempters by taking drugs. Family problems were the reasons for suicide attempts in 46.1% of the cases. Depression symptoms were determined in mothers of 65 of the patients. Ratio of the children with depression symptoms who also had mothers with depression symptoms was 83.1%. Depression symptoms were determined in 60% of the 141 patients and a positive correlation was observed between adolescents' hopelessness/depression scale and their mothers' hopelessness/depression scale scores (p=0,001, r= 0,362). Adolescent patients who had a family member diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (70.8%) and adolescents with a previous psychiatric disorder diagnosis (86.8%) had more depression symptoms. Depression symptoms were determined in 81.8% of mothers of patients with previous suicide attempt history, 68% of mothers who were separated from their spouses, 73.7% of mothers of patients with previous psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions: The suicide attempts among adolescents were increasing and the leading reasons for suicide attempts were family problems. Depression symptoms were important factors that influence adolescents' suicide attempts.

Identifying the affecting factors in adolescents who attempt suicide

“…The most common reason for the adolescent suicides in the study is familial factors. The results of other studies [4,5,7,9,12] which are similar to those of our research detect the familial problems as the main reason for adolescent suicide. It also reveals that the adolescence period may affect the individual's whole life.…”

“…It was detected that the rate of suicide attempt in females was higher than that of males (p=0.017) ( Table 1). Studies [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] indicate that the suicide attempts are more frequently seen in females than males in the most countries and this fact may be associated with the place and roles of women in society [11]. Experiencing an oppressive attitude in society and having a more emotional nature may be another reason for the higher rate of suicide attempts in women.…”

“…Other studies in the literature reveal that having a good relationship with friends [9,12,19], mother, father [19] and sibling(s) [20] decreases the risk of suicide attempts in adolescents. The results of our study are similar to other studies in the literature with the exception of those related to sibling relationships.…”

Socio-demographic and clinical factors related to mortality among the geriatric suicide attempters admitted to the emergency department

“…The mean hospitalization rate for the suicide attempters in Turkey is 17.3%, but this rate increases to 31% for elderly patients with chronic diseases [25][26][27]. We found similar rates for our patients, and patients who were hospitalized to an intensive care units died.…”