Stressful Life Events and Co-Occurring Depression, Substance Abuse and Suicidality Among American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescents

Depression, suicidality & substance abuse disorders were examined with an emphasis on the role of stressful life events in predicting severity & patterns of comorbidity among American Indian & Alaska Native adolescents in boarding schools. Of the 124 adolescents with a depression diagnosis, current suicidal ideation was the most common additional diagnosis. Females had a higher percentage of depression only diagnosis than males & a greater number of diagnoses for depression with suicide attempt.