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.
Brent
D A
DA
Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.
Perper
J A
JA
Moritz
G
G
Baugher
M
M
Schweers
J
J
Roth
C
C
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