Risk Factors

Suicide cuts across all economic, social, and ethnic boundaries.

Not all adolescent attempters may admit their intent. Therefore, any deliberate self-harming behaviors should be considered serious and signal the need for further evaluation.

Most adolescent suicide attempts are precipitated by interpersonal conflicts. The vast majority of individuals who are suicidal often display clues and warning signs, but others are either unaware of the significance of these warnings or do not know how to respond to them. The intent of the behavior appears to be to effect change in the behaviors or attitudes of others.

Suicide is preventable. Most suicidal individuals desperately want to live; they are just unable to see alternatives to their problems. The following list describes some potential factors of risk for suicide among youth. If observed, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended:

• The expression/communication of thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
  (in a context of sadness, boredom, or negative feelings)
• Impulsive and aggressive behavior; frequent expressions of rage
• Previous exposure to others’ suicidality. Surviving family members not only suffer the trauma of losing a loved one to suicide, but also are themselves at higher risk for suicide and emotional problems
• Presence of a psychiatric disorder (e.g., depression, drug or alcohol abuse, behavior disorders, conduct disorder [e.g., runs away or has been incarcerated])
• Recent severe stressor (e.g., difficulties in dealing with sexual orientation; unplanned pregnancy or other significant real or impending loss)
• Family loss or instability; significant family conflict
• Feelings of hopelessness (e.g., there is no solution to my problem) are found to be more predictive of suicide risk than a diagnosis of depression per se
• The socially isolated are generally found to be at high risk of suicide