Suicide attempts in the "comprehensive community mental health services for children and their families" program.
OBJECTIVE
To compare clinical characteristics of youths who had attempted suicide recently, previously but not recently, repeatedly, or never.


METHODS
The sample comprised 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. Chi-square and univariate analyses of variance were used for between-group comparisons.


RESULTS
Twenty-one 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. Other clinical differences were also found.


CONCLUSIONS
Among children receiving mental health services, those who attempt suicide experience more and different types of distress, depending on the recency and frequency of attempts. Clinicians should be aware that depression is not a necessary factor in predicting suicide attempts and that suicide risk is also associated with violent and aggressive behaviors.
Walrath
C M
CM
Department of Mental Hygiene, Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. cwalrath@jhsph.edu
Mandell
D S
DS
Liao
Q
Q
Holden
E W
EW
De Carolis
G
G
Santiago
R L
RL
Leaf
P J
PJ
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States