Correlates of Suicidal Behavior in Hospitalized Adolescents

This presentation reports on a study to identify psychopathological, familial, & environmental correlates of suicidal behavior in urban adolescents admitted to an acute psychiatric unit in New York. Self-rating scales & diagnostic interviews were administered to 76 adolescent inpatients. Suicidal subjects were more likely to be Hispanic & Catholic, have a major depressive disorder, more negative life experiences & more family members who attempted suicide. Other findings are also reported.