One in Eight U.S. Adolescents Has Considered Suicide

By Kelly Young

    One in eight U.S. teens has seriously considered suicide, and one in 25 has attempted it, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry (formerly known as Archives of General Psychiatry).

    Nearly 6500 adolescents (aged 13 to 18) were surveyed about their lifetime history of suicidal behaviors and mental disorders. Among the findings:

-A third of those who considered suicide go on to make a plan, and nearly two thirds of those with a plan attempt suicide.

-Most of those who attempt suicide do so within a year of first considering it.

-Roughly 90% of suicidal adolescents had at least one of the 15 mental disorders included in the survey, most commonly depression.

-Between 55% and 73% of suicidal adolescents received some form of treatment before symptom onset.

    Asked to comment, Barbara Geller of Journal Watch Psychiatry wrote: "Because most suicidal teenagers were in treatment, the need for developing effective prevention and intervention is pronounced. Until then, families may benefit from education about the need for vigilance and for sensible precautions such as gun-free homes."

First Published in Physician's First Watch January 10, 2013