Young suicide attempters: A comparison between a clinical and an epidemiological sample

Author(s): Ekeberg, O., Wichstrom, L., Haldorsen, T.

Journal/Book: J Amer Acad Child Adolesc Psy. 2000; 39: 530 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 868-875.

Abstract: Objective: To compare risk factors for self-harm in 2 groups: hospitalized adolescents who had attempted suicide and adolescents reporting suicide attempts in a community survey. Method: Ail suicide attempters aged 13 to 19 years admitted to medical wards (n = 91) in a region of Norway were assessed and interviewed. Risk factors were identified by comparisons with a general population sample participating in a questionnaire study in the same community (n = 1,736). In this population sample, a separate analysis of risk factors for reporting deliberate self-harm (n = 141) was performed, applying bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Adjusted risk factors for suicide attempts in hospitalized adolescents were depression (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7), disruptive disorders (OR = 9.4), low self-worth (OR = 1.3), infrequent support from parents (OR = 3.3) or peers (OR = 3.3), parents' excessive drinking (OR = 4.3), and low socioeconomic status (OR = 2.4). For adolescents who self-reported self-harm, depression (OR = 3.1) and loneliness (OR = 1.13) were significant adjusted risk factors (p < .001). Low self-worth, low socioeconomic status, and little support from parents or peers characterized hospitalized suicidal adolescents compared with those who were not hospitalized. Conclusions: The risk factors were more powerful for hospitalized than for nonhospitalized adolescents. Prevention efforts should target the same factors for both groups, at a population level for nonhospitalized adolescents and at an individual level for hospitalized adolescents, with a focus on depression, low self-esteem, and family communication.

Note: Article Groholt B, Ctr Child & Adolescent Psychiat, POB 26, N-0319 Oslo, NORWAY

Keyword(s): adolescents; mental health; self-harm; suicide attempt; BECK DEPRESSION INVENTORY; RISK-FACTORS; ADOLESCENT SUICIDE; DISORDERS; BEHAVIOR; IDEATION; CHILDREN; PSYCHOPATHOLOGY; PREVALENCE; ADJUSTMENT

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