Short-Term Stability of Depressive Symptoms and Suicide Attempts in Swedish Adolescents

This study examines the prevalence of depressive symptoms & suicidal ideation & their relationship to perceived health problems & social relations in 605 Swedish adolescents. Depending on the rating scale used, 4-9% had a major depressive disorder. Approximately 3% had pronounced suicidal ideation & had made at least one suicide attempt. Certain psychosocial variables were found to be predictors of depression, such as satisfaction with school, home & leisure time, & number of close friends. (VM)