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Suicidal ideation and correlates in Taiwanese adolescent methamphetamine users
Cheng-Fang Yen1, Bi-Ling Shieh
1Department of Psychiatry and Graduate Institute of Behavioral Science, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|June 30, 2005
Summary
Suicidal ideation affects 16% of adolescent methamphetamine (MAMP) users. Family drug use, depression, and emotional instability are key risk factors requiring monitoring in young MAMP users.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Psychiatry
- Adolescent Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Adolescent methamphetamine (MAMP) use is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in this population is critical for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among adolescent MAMP users.
- To identify demographic, familial, peer, MAMP use, and personality factors associated with suicidal ideation in this group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 200 adolescent MAMP users was assessed using the Epidemiological Version of the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify correlates of suicidal ideation.
Main Results:
- 16% of adolescent MAMP users reported suicidal ideation in the past year.
- Significant correlates included illicit drug use in family members, depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, and emotional instability.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal ideation is prevalent in adolescent MAMP users.
- Family environment, psychopathology, and personality traits are significant correlates.
- Targeted monitoring for suicidal ideation is recommended for at-risk adolescents.