Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Mental Health Problems and Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Adolescents
Massimiliano Orri1,2, Sara Scardera1,3, Léa C Perret1
1Department of Psychiatry, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
Background:
Obtaining recent estimates of the prevalence of suicide-related outcomes across adolescence and its associated mental health problems (MHPs) is important for clinical practice. We estimated the prevalence of suicide-related outcomes at ages 13, 15, 17, and 20 years (2011-2018) in a contemporary population-based cohort and documented associations with MHPs throughout adolescence.
Methods:
Data came from 1618 participants in the Québec Longitudinal Study of Child Development. Internalizing (depression and anxiety) and externalizing (oppositional/defiance, conduct issues, and attention deficit and/or hyperactivity) MHPs were assessed with validated questionnaires. Outcomes were self-reported past-year passive and serious suicidal ideation and suicide attempt.
Results:
Lifetime prevalence of passive suicidal ideation (13-17 years old), serious suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt (13-20 years old) were 22.2%, 9.8%, and 6.7%, respectively. Prevalence was twice as high for females as for males. Overall, rates of passive (15-17 years old; 11.8%-18.4%) and serious ideation (13-20 years old; 3.3%-9.5%) increased over time but were stable for attempt (13-20 years old; 3.5%-3.8%). In univariable analyses, all MHPs were associated with suicide-related outcomes at all ages (risk rate ratio range: 2.57-3.10 [passive ideation] and 2.10-4.36 [suicide attempt]), and associations were similar for male and female participants (sex interaction P > .05). Magnitude of associations were generally stronger for more severe suicide-related outcomes (passive ideation < serious ideation < attempt). In multivariable analyses, internalizing problems were associated with suicidal ideation, whereas both depressive and conduct symptoms were associated with attempt.
Conclusions:
Suicidal ideation and attempt were common, especially for females and youth presenting with depressive and conduct problem symptoms. Clinicians should systematically assess suicidal risk in teenagers, especially in those presenting with MHPs.
More Related Videos
08:42Design and Implementation of an fMRI Study Examining Thought Suppression in Young Women with, and At-risk, for Depression
Published on: May 19, 2015
05:52Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis
Published on: November 21, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Bullying
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence