Suicide in affectively ill adolescents: a case-control study.
Sixty-three adolescent suicide victims with a history of affective illness were compared to 23 adolescent community controls with a lifetime history of affective illness, using a case-control design. Suicide victims were more likely to have had major depression, comorbid substance abuse, a past suicide attempt, family history of major depression, treatment with a tricyclic antidepressant, history of legal problems, and a handgun available in the home. There was a non-significant trend for bipolar depression to convey a higher risk for completed suicide than unipolar depression. Recommendations for the prevention of suicide among those with early onset affective illness are discussed in light of these findings.
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
D A
DA
Brent
J A
JA
Perper
G
G
Moritz
M
M
Baugher
J
J
Schweers
C
C
Roth
D000293:Adolescent; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002423:Cause of Death; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010414:Pennsylvania / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic