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Adolescent suicidal behaviours: a population-based study of risk
G C Patton1, R Harris, J B Carlin
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Psychological Medicine
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Deliberate self-harm is common in adolescents, with 5.1% experiencing episodes. Most self-harming behaviors were not true suicide attempts, highlighting a need to understand non-fatal suicidal behavior in youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Adolescent suicidal behavior reports often come from clinical settings.
- Population-based studies offer a clearer epidemiological perspective on suicidal behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in Australian adolescents.
- To identify factors associated with deliberate self-harm in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study of 1699 Australian secondary school students (aged 15-16) in Victoria.
- Self-reported episodes of self-harm were assessed using items from the Beck Suicide Intent Scale.
Main Results:
- The 12-month prevalence of deliberate self-harm was 5.1%, with self-laceration, self-poisoning, and deliberate recklessness being common.
- True suicide attempts were rare (0.2%).
- Psychiatric morbidity, antisocial behavior, substance abuse (in girls), and sexual activity were associated with self-harm.
Conclusions:
- Deliberate self-harm is prevalent in adolescents, but most episodes lack definite suicidal intent.
- Individuals engaging in self-harm without clear suicidal intent may experience significant mortality and morbidity.