NCJ Number
191104
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 1197-1205
Date Published
October 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study compared factors among previous suicide attempters, repeat attempters, first-time attempters, and nonattempters.
Abstract
The objective was to compare clinical characteristics of youth that attempted suicide. The sample consisted of 4,677 youths receiving services between 1993 to 1998 in 22 communities and participating in the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program. Data on suicide attempts, demographics, and clinical characteristics were obtained from intake interviews and referring agencies. Results showed that 21 percent of the sample had a history of attempted suicide. Previous and repeat attempters were more likely to have a history of family violence and substance abuse. Repeat attempters were most likely to have depression, while never and previous (but not recent) attempters were more likely to have conduct disorder. Previous attempters were more likely than the other three groups to experience severe impairment in school, home, and the community. Both previous and repeat attempters were more likely than the other two groups to experience severe impairment in the area of substance abuse. It was concluded that among children receiving mental health services, those that attempted suicide experienced more and different types of distress, depending on how recent and how frequent attempts were made. Clinicians should be aware that depression was not a necessary factor in predicting suicide attempts and that suicide risk was also associated with violent and aggressive behaviors. 36 references, 3 tables