Risk Factors for Multiple Suicide Attempts in Adolescents From 10 Years Suicide Repository.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Health
• Suicidology

Background:

• Limited research exists on adolescent suicide in South Korea compared to Western countries.
• This study addresses the scarcity of data by comparing first-time and repeat suicide attempters in a South Korean adolescent population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare demographic and clinical variables between first-time and multiple suicide attempters.
• To identify potential risk factors that predict multiple suicide attempts in adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A total of 248 adolescents (aged 11-19) who attempted suicide were recruited from an emergency department in South Korea.
• Participants were categorized into first-time (n=139) and multiple (n=109) attempters.
• Psychiatric interviews and the Brief Emergency Room Suicide Risk Assessment were conducted, followed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Main Results:

• Multiple suicide attempters were predominantly female (78%) and exhibited more severe psychopathology, including higher rates of psychiatric family history, Axis I diagnoses (especially major depressive disorder), and greater hopelessness.
• They also reported more severe suicide ideation, less regret for attempts, and fewer personal coping resources (e.g., emotional control, insight).
• Multivariate analysis identified suicide ideation severity (OR, 2.30), Axis I history (OR, 2.55), and "cutting" as a method (OR, 2.85) as significant predictors of multiple attempts.

Conclusions:

• Adolescents with multiple suicide attempts present with more severe clinical profiles compared to first-time attempters.
• Interventions targeting depression and self-mutilation behaviors are critical for preventing recurrent suicide attempts in this vulnerable population.