Psychiatric Risk Factors for Adolescent Suicide: a Case-Control Study

67 adolescent suicides were compared with 67 matched controls. Psychiatric disorder was assessed in suicide victims using a psychological autopsy & in controls using semistructured psychiatric interviews. The most significant psychiatric risk factors associated with adolescent suicide were major depression, bipolar mixed state, substance abuse, & conduct disorder. Previous attempts, suicidal ideation, & homicidal ideation also were associated with adolescent suicide. (69 refs.)