Alcohol use disorders and risk factor interactions for adolescent suicidalideation and attempts

Four hundred eighty-two adolescents who were diagnosed with at least one me ntal disorder were studied to determine the predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Major depression was predictive of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts for both genders. Chronic stress was found predictive of male suicidal ideation, while low self-esteem and high family dysfuncti on were found to be predictive of suicidal ideation in females. Statistical trends suggest that females with comorbid alcohol use/conduct disorder wer e approximately three times more likely to have attempted suicide than thos e with only one of these conditions. Clinicians working with adolescents sh ould be aware that, while depression remains the number one clinical risk f or suicidal behavior, risk factors for suicidal ideation may be different t han those for attempted suicide and may vary by gender.