Citation

Kelly TM, Lynch KG, Donovan JE, Clark DB. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 2001; 31(2): 181-193.

Affiliation

Pittsburgh Adolescent Alcohol Research Center, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213-2593, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11459250

Abstract

Four hundred eighty-two adolescents who were diagnosed with at least one mental disorder were studied to determine the predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Major depression was predictive of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts for both genders. Chronic stress was found predictive of male suicidal ideation, while low self-esteem and high family dysfunction were found to be predictive of suicidal ideation in females. Statistical trends suggest that females with comorbid alcohol use/conduct disorder were approximately three times more likely to have attempted suicide than those with only one of these conditions. Clinicians working with adolescents should be aware that, while depression remains the number one clinical risk forsuicidal behavior, risk factors for suicidal ideation may be different than those for attempted suicide and may vary by gender.