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Understanding the suicidal moment in adolescence.
Regina Miranda1, David Shaffer
1City University of New York at Hunter College and The Graduate Center, New York, New York; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|October 22, 2013
Summary
Adolescent suicide attempts are common, even without prior attempts. Understanding the psychological factors and cognitive responses leading to suicidal ideation is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Psychiatry
- Suicidology
Background:
- Suicide attempts are more prevalent in adolescence than in other age groups.
- Existing research often emphasizes psychiatric diagnoses and prior attempts for risk assessment.
- Many adolescent suicides are first-time events, highlighting the need to understand immediate precursors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychological precipitants of adolescent suicide attempts.
- To examine how suicidal thoughts translate into action.
- To assess the risk associated with a history of suicidal ideation and attempts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychological factors preceding suicide attempts.
- Analysis of cognitive and emotional responses linked to suicidal ideation.
- Examination of risk factors including previous suicidal behavior.
Main Results:
- Psychological precipitants are key to understanding the transition from ideation to action.
- History of previous suicide attempts and ideation confers significant risk.
- Understanding the immediate cognitive and emotional context is vital for prevention.
Conclusions:
- Focusing on psychological precipitants offers a critical avenue for preventing adolescent suicide.
- Interventions should address the immediate cognitive and emotional states preceding suicidal behavior.
- A history of suicidal ideation or attempts necessitates careful risk assessment and management.
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