Suicidal Ideation and Attempts in Early Adulthood in a Community Sample: Prevalence and Risk Factors

A modified version of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule was used to assess the 1-year prevalence of mental disorder, including suicide ideation & attempts, in a birth cohort of 903 New Zealand young adults when they were 18 & 21 years. At ages 18 or 21, 17% of the sample (significantly more women than men) reported suicidal ideation. At least 1 suicide attempt was reported by 33 subjects. A low perceived attachment to parents & peers at age 15 was a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation.