Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics of Adolescents Following Suicide Attempts: A Single-Center Study From...

Suicidal behavior among adolescents has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, positioning suicide as one of the leading causes of death in this age group worldwide. Despite this growing public health concern, country-specific data remain limited, particularly in Türkiye. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of adolescents referred to psychiatric services following a suicide attempt in Türkiye.

We enrolled adolescents (12-18 years) who presented to the Pediatric Emergency Department after a suicide attempt and were subsequently referred to our clinic. Participants completed a Sociodemographic Data Form and underwent the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime Version interview to assess lifetime psychiatric diagnoses.

Among the 60 participants, 86.7% were female and 13.3% were male. The mean age was 184.7±13.6 months (range: 144-211 months). Two-thirds (66.7%) met criteria for at least one psychiatric disorder; major depressive disorder was most prevalent (41.7%). The predominant method of attempt was medication ingestion, and family conflict was identified as the leading precipitant (56.7%). A history of prior suicide attempts was reported by 40%, and 33.3% had a family history of suicide. Notably, 70% had engaged in non-suicidal self-harming behavior (SHB) before their attempt.

Suicide attempts peak during middle adolescence, and female adolescents are at higher risk. Clinicians should monitor warning signs such as a prior history of SHB. Given the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in both these adolescents and their parents, early identification and intervention are essential to prevention.