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Adolescent suicide attempters: what predicts future suicidal acts?
Berit Groholt1, Øivind Ekeberg, Tor Haldorsen
1Sogn Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Oslo, Norway. berit.groholt@medisin.uio.no
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 26, 2007
Summary
Nearly half of adolescent suicide attempters repeat suicide attempts. Key predictors include comorbid disorders, hopelessness, prior treatment, and paternal relationship dynamics. Comprehensive evaluation and treatment are crucial for all adolescent attempters.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicide attempts in adolescents represent a significant public health concern.
- Understanding predictors of repeat suicide attempts is vital for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify predictors of suicide attempt repetition in adolescent attempters.
- To evaluate long-term outcomes, including mortality, among adolescent suicide attempters.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study followed 92 adolescent suicide attempters for 9 years post-index attempt.
- Multiple Cox regression analysis was used to identify independent predictive factors for repetition.
Main Results:
- 42% of participants (31 of 73) repeated a suicide attempt.
- Independent predictors identified were: comorbid disorders, hopelessness, history of mental health treatment, and father's controlling-without-affection parenting style.
- Two of 92 participants died by suicide within the 9-year follow-up period.
Conclusions:
- Individual-level prediction of repeat suicide attempts is challenging.
- Given the high repetition rate, thorough assessment and timely treatment are essential for all adolescent suicide attempters.
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