Suicidal Ideation in a Population-Based Sample of Adolescents: Implications for Family Medicine Practice

Abstract

Introduction. This study investigated the relationship between suicidal ideation and demographic characteristics, health conditions, depression, and health care utilization patterns among adolescents. Methods. Secondary analysis of the regionally representative Canadian Community Health Survey conducted in 2000/2001 (response rate 85%). Adolescents aged 15 to 19 who reported suicidal ideation in the previous year (n = 260) were compared with their peers who did not (n = 5528). The association between suicidal ideation and socio-demographic and health characteristics were investigated. Findings. Almost three-quarters (73%) of suicidal adolescents had not spoken with any health professional about mental health issues in the preceding year. Despite the fact that 80% of suicidal adolescents had regular contact with their family doctor, only 5% had consulted with them about mental health issues. In addition to the well-known risk factors of depression and stress, suicidal ideation was highly elevated in adolescents with two or more chronic health conditions, self-reported poor health, migraines, and back pain and those whose activities were prevented by pain (P < .05). Other characteristics significantly correlated with suicidal ideation included smoking, living in single parent families, and having lower levels of social support. Conclusions. Family physicians should regularly screen for suicidal thoughts in their adolescent patients with these characteristics.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Migraine and Suicidal Ideation

“…Three recent studies focused in adolescents showed a relationship between migraines and suicidal ideation [15, 16, 18]. In 12–15 year old Taiwanese students, there was a significant association between migraine and suicide risk score, a scaled measure including suicidal ideation and attempts (OR:4.3, 95%CI: 1.2–15.5) [15].…”

“…Migraine with aura was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR:1.79, 95%CI: 1.07–2.99); however, migraine without aura was not statistically significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR:1.04, 95%CI: 0.77–1.40) [16]. Finally, Fuller-Thomson and colleagues, in their 2000–2001 community-based Canadian Community Health Survey, found no evidence of an association of migraine with suicidal ideation (OR:1.25; 95%CI: 0.64–2.45) [18]. …”

Association of Migraine Headaches With Suicidal Ideation Among Pregnant Women in Lima, Peru

“…Specifically our findings suggest it may be important that clinicians treating pregnant women are aware of the comorbidity between migraine, depression, and suicidal behaviors and consider screening pregnant migraineurs for suicidal ideation. 32,54,55…”

Differentiating Adolescent Suicide Attempters from Ideators: Examining the Interaction between Depression Severity and Alcohol Use

“…There is a large literature on the factors that increase risk for suicidal ideation among adolescents. Depressed mood has consistently been found to be a primary factor and substance use, especially alcohol, has often been identified as increasing risk for suicidal ideation (Evans, Hawton, & Rodham, ; Fuller‐Thomson, Hamelin, & Granger, ). Fewer studies have examined factors that differentiate adolescents with suicidal ideation from those who attempt suicide, and the studies that have examined these differences have found few, and sometimes conflicting, distinguishing factors.…”