[Uncompleted suicide attempts in adolescents]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Suicidal behavior in adolescents is a significant public health concern requiring urgent psychiatric intervention.
• Understanding the specific characteristics of adolescent suicidal behavior is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the distinct characteristics of suicidal behavior among adolescents admitted to a psychiatric hospital for urgent care.
• To identify differences in suicidal behavior patterns between adolescent boys and girls.

Main Methods:

• A clinical and psychopathological analysis was conducted on 143 adolescents (55 boys, 88 girls) aged 15-17 years.
• Participants were admitted to a Moscow psychiatric hospital due to suicidal behavior.

Main Results:

• Suicidal behavior accounted for 42% of all medical emergency admissions.
• Repeated suicidal attempts were observed in 27% of boys and 47% of girls.
• Mental disorders were present in 75% of patients; personality and adaptation disorders were most common (13% schizophrenia spectrum).
• Common features included low-lethality methods, mild antivital feelings, short pre-suicidal duration, sudden actions, and stressful triggers.
• Significant gender differences were noted in methods, behavior type (demonstrative in girls, compulsive in boys), and psychopathological symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Adolescent suicidal behavior in emergency psychiatric admissions exhibits specific characteristics, including gender-based differences in methods and motivations.
• The high prevalence of mental disorders underscores the need for timely psychiatric evaluation and treatment in this population.
• Identifying common features like stress-induced actions and low-lethality methods can inform targeted interventions.