Abstract
In this longitudinal study, the rates and correlates of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts were determined among outpatient youths with depressive disorders and youths with other psychiatric disorders. At study entry, about 66% of the subjects evidenced suicidal ideation and 9% already attempted suicide. The rate of ideation remained fairly stable over time, whereas the rate of attempts reached 24% by the average age of 17 years. Major depressive and dysthymic disorders were associated with significantly higher rates of suicidal behaviors than were adjustment disorder with depressed mood and nondepressive disorders. In the presence of affective disorders, comorbid conduct and/or substance use disorders further increased the risk of suicide attempts.
Key Words
suicidal behaviors; depression in children and adolescents
Preparation of this paper was supported by Grant MH-33990 from the National Institute of Mental Health, Health and Human Services Administration and a grant from the W. T. Grant Foundation. Dr. Goldston was supported in part by a Bowman Gray School of Medicine Venture Grant and a Faculty Scholar Award from the W. T. Grant Foundation. Appreciation is expressed for the statistical and data analytic contributions of Lydia Voti, M.S., and Phoebe Lucy Parrone, M.S.