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Attempted and completed suicide in adolescence.
Anthony Spirito1, Christianne Esposito-Smythers
1Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies and Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA. Anthony_Spirito@brown.edu
Annual Review of Clinical Psychology
|August 25, 2007
Summary
Suicidal behavior in adolescents is a serious concern, with prior attempts and conditions like depression increasing risk. More research is needed for effective prevention and intervention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent psychiatry
- Developmental psychology
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Suicide is a leading cause of death in adolescents, with serious attempts affecting 3% of this population.
- Understanding risk factors is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Family, genetic, and neurobiological factors play a role in adolescent suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on risk factors for adolescent suicidal behavior.
- To identify specific populations at higher risk.
- To examine the role of neurobiology and genetics in suicidal behavior.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on adolescent suicidal behavior.
- Analysis of risk factors including prior attempts, mental health disorders, and family history.
- Exploration of neurobiological correlates, particularly the serotonergic system and impulsive aggression.
Main Results:
- Prior suicide attempts are strong predictors of future suicidal behavior.
- Depression, disruptive behavior disorders, and substance-use disorders significantly increase risk, especially when comorbid.
- Specific groups like LGBTQ+ youth, incarcerated, and homeless adolescents face elevated risks.
- Impulsive aggression may mediate the link between decreased serotonergic activity and suicidal behavior.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent suicidal behavior is multifactorial, influenced by individual, familial, and societal factors.
- Existing prevention and intervention strategies show modest effects, highlighting the need for more robust, theory-driven research.
- Further investigation into neurobiological mechanisms and targeted interventions for high-risk groups is essential.
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