Adolescent suicidal behaviours: A population-based study of risk

Author(s): Harris, R., Carlin, J. B., Hibbert, M. E., Coffey, C., Schwartz, M., Bowes, G.

Journal/Book: Psychol Med. 1997; 27: 40 West 20TH Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Cambridge Univ Press. 715-724.

Abstract: Background. Reports of adolescent suicidal behaviour have generally derived from clinical settings but population-based studies art likely to provide a clearer epidemiological view. Methods. Non-fatal suicidal behaviours were studied in 1699 Australian 15- to 16-year-old secondary school students at 44 schools in the state of Victoria, Australia, Self-reported episodes of self-harm were characterized using items from the Beck Suicide Intent Scale. Results. The 12 month weighted prevalence estimate for deliberate self-harm was 5.1%. The commonest forms were self-laceration (1.7%), self-poisoning (1.5%) and deliberate recklessness (1.8%). Self-poisoning and self-laceration were commoner in girls. The prevalence of 'true suicide attempts' was 0.2%. Most self-harmers did not perceive death as likely, plan self-harming episodes at length or inform others of the episodes. Psychiatric morbidity had the strongest association with self-harm, an association which held for all subtypes. Antisocial behaviour and substance abuse were associated with self-harm in girls but not boys. Sexual activity was independently associated with self-harm in both genders. Conclusions. Deliberate self-harm was common but the great majority of episodes were not 'true suicide attempts'. It is, therefore, possible that attributable mortality and morbidity may be greater in self-harmers without definite suicidal intent.

Note: Article Patton GC, Univ Melbourne, Ctr Adolescent Hlth, Parkville, Vic 3052, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS; CHILDREN GROW; FOLLOW-UP; DISORDER; PARASUICIDE; DEPRESSION; STATES

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