Suicidal ideation and attempts among chemically dependent adolescents

Suicidal ideation and attempts were examined in a population of chemically dependent adolescents, a group at high risk of self-destructive behavior.

The prevalence and correlates of suicidality and of major depressive disorder were assessed by the Diagnostic Interview Schedule and a structured family and social history interview with 300 addicts aged 15 through 19 years.

Suicidal ideation was reported by 31% to 75% of the subjects and suicide attempts were reported by 28% to 61%, with females predominating. Thoughts of suicide combined with prolonged thoughts of death in general and a desire to be dead were highly associated with suicide attempts. Exposure to physical or sexual abuse was associated with a significantly increased risk of suicide attempts for males but not for females.

The probability of a suicide attempt increases when thoughts of suicide coincide with morbid ideation of extended duration, suggesting that risk assessment should be based on duration as well as presence of morbid thoughts. Substance abuse treatment requires an assessment of suicidal potential and counseling for those whose potential is high, with special attention to males exposed to abuse.