A Prospective Study of Adolescent Suicidal Behavior Following Hospitalization

This prospective study identified specific predictors of suicidal behaviour in 100 adolescents during a 6-month follow-up period. 18% of adolescents reported suicidal behaviour during the follow-up period, primarly of low lethality & minimal or ambivalent suicidal intent. This behaviour was associated with suicidal thoughts, family dysfunction, & dysthymia. It was not associated with initial posthospitalization treatment compliance. Implications of these findings are discussed. (46 refs.)