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Suicide in adolescents with disruptive disorders
J Renaud1, D A Brent, B Birmaher
1Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA 15213, USA.
Summary
Adolescents with disruptive disorders face higher suicide risk with substance abuse and prior attempts. Family history of substance abuse and mood disorders further elevates this risk, necessitating targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Suicidology
Background:
- Adolescents with disruptive disorders are a vulnerable population.
- Understanding specific risk factors for suicide in this group is crucial for prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify psychiatric risk factors for completed suicide in adolescents diagnosed with disruptive disorders.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study comparing 59 adolescent suicide completers with 18 community controls.
- All participants had a DSM-III diagnosis of disruptive disorders.
Main Results:
- Suicide completers showed higher rates of current substance abuse and previous suicide attempts.
- Family history of substance abuse and mood disorders were more prevalent in the suicide completer group.
Conclusions:
- Comorbid substance abuse and a history of suicide attempts significantly increase suicide risk in disruptive adolescents.
- Physical abuse history and parental substance abuse/mood disorders further elevate risk.
- Clinicians must implement active interventions, addressing both adolescents and their families, and further research is needed.