The Impact of Adolescent Suicide on Siblings and Parents: a Longitudinal Follow-Up

The psychiatric impact of loss of a family member to suicide was evaluated in parents & siblings of adolescent suicide victims, & controls, who were followed up to 3 years after the suicide. Siblings did not show an increased risk for depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or other conditions. Mothers showed an increased rate of recurrence of depression. The interrelationship of bereavement & depression for siblings, parents & others exposed to suicide are discussed.