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Suicidal behavior in chemically dependent adolescents
1Department of Psychology, Monmouth University, West Long Branch, New Jersey 07764, USA.
Adolescence
|March 24, 2000
Summary
Twenty percent of adolescents in chemical dependency treatment had attempted suicide, with females attempting more often. Suicidal adolescents exhibited greater psychological distress and received inadequate treatment for their attempts.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Adolescent chemical dependency is a significant public health concern.
- Suicidal ideation and attempts are prevalent among adolescents, particularly those with substance use disorders.
- Understanding the psychological profiles and treatment gaps for suicidal adolescents is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of suicide attempts in adolescents undergoing treatment for chemical dependency.
- To compare the psychological distress levels of suicidal adolescents with nonsuicidal peers.
- To examine the treatment received for suicidal behaviors among this population.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 250 adolescents in a residential chemical dependency program.
- Comparison groups included nonsuicidal adolescents from the same program and non-chemically dependent high school students.
- Assessment tools included the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and biographical history.
- Analysis focused on psychological distress and treatment utilization for suicide attempts.
Main Results:
- 20% of adolescents in chemical dependency treatment reported suicide attempts in the prior two years; females had higher rates.
- Suicidal adolescents displayed significantly higher psychological distress compared to nonsuicidal groups.
- Significant differences were found in Global Severity Index and specific SCL-90-R subscales (Somatization, Depression, Anxiety, Phobic Anxiety).
- The majority of suicidal gestures/attempts were untreated beyond initial medical management, with low rates of crisis intervention or follow-up care.
Conclusions:
- Adolescents with chemical dependency exhibit elevated psychological distress and a high prevalence of untreated suicide attempts.
- The findings highlight a critical gap in mental health services for suicidal adolescents in substance abuse treatment.
- The concept of "covert suicide" warrants further investigation within this vulnerable population.