ADOLESCENT SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ATTEMPTS - PREVALENCE, RISK-FACTORS,AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

In this article we summarize findings from our program of research (th e Oregon Adolescent Depression Project) as they pertain to the suicida l behavior of older (14-18-year-old) adolescents. Specifically, we (a) present information regarding the epidemiology of suicidal ideation a nd suicide attempts (e.g., prevalence, incidence, onset age, methods, severity); (b) describe the psychosocial characteristics associated wi th past and future suicide attempts, in comparison to depression; (c) discuss issues relevant to assessment and screening, including our dev elopment of a new assessment instrument, the Life Attitudes Schedule; (d) share recommendations gained from our experience in providing trea tment for depressed adolescents, approximately 40% of whom had made a suicide attempt; and (e) identify gaps in current knowledge for which more research is needed.