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Published on: November 21, 2013
Adolescents with suicidal ideation: health care use and functioning.
Carolyn A McCarty1, Joan Russo, David C Grossman
1Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle 98145, USA. cmccarty@u.washington.edu
Academic Pediatrics
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Youth with suicidal ideation (SI) experience greater functional impairment but receive limited mental health services. Early detection and intervention are crucial for adolescents with SI to address their clinical needs.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
- Public Health
Background:
- Suicidal ideation (SI) in youth is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the clinical needs of adolescents with SI is vital for effective intervention.
- Existing research highlights gaps in healthcare utilization for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare healthcare utilization, functional impairment, and comorbidity in youth with and without SI.
- To identify patterns of care and unmet needs among adolescents experiencing SI.
- To inform strategies for improving mental health service delivery to at-risk youth.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 99 youth with SI and 99 matched controls (ages 13-17).
- Data collected on healthcare utilization, functional impairment, and comorbid mental health symptoms.
- Statistical adjustments made for depression severity, lifetime diagnoses, and medical comorbidity.
Main Results:
- Youth with SI reported significantly higher functional impairment at baseline and 6-month follow-up.
- Less than 15% of youth with SI received specialty mental health visits or psychotropic medication.
- A higher proportion of youth with SI accessed mental health care outside the primary healthcare system.
Conclusions:
- Suicidal ideation is linked to increased functional impairment and comorbidity in adolescents.
- A significant gap exists between the need for and receipt of mental health services among youth with SI.
- Enhanced screening, recognition, and treatment are essential to mitigate the impact of SI on adolescent well-being.
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