Psychological Distress and Suicidal Ideation Among 15-24-Year-Olds Presenting to General Practice: a Pilot Study

The study sought to determine the prevalence rates of psychological distress & suicidal ideation among 15-24-year-old patients presenting to general practice, & the relationship between presnting complaints & levels of psychological distress & suicidal ideation. A pilot study was designed to sample patients presenting consecutively to general practitioners during a 4-week period. 5 general practices in Perth participated. The majority of patients presented with medical complaints but results indicate patients in this sample had relatively high levels of psychological distress & suicidal ideation. (19 refs.)