Emergency Department Assessment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters: Factors Related to Short-Term Follow-Up Outcome
Spirito A~~Lewander W J~~et al
62 adolescent suicide attempters discharged from a regional trauma center were followed up at 3 months after their attempts to assess treatment compliance & repeat attempts. Information regarding suicidal intent & characteristics of the attempt were collected by emergency physicians at the time of the attempt. Parental ratings of adolescent functioning were also collected. At 3-month follow-up, none of the adolescents had completed suicide, 7% made a repeat attempt, 16% never followed through with outpatient psychiatric appointments, 15% attended one session, & 21% went to only two appointments. A prior suicide attempt, alcohol use at the time of the attempt, & greater planning of the suicide attempt were associated with better treatment compliance. None of the variables predicted repeat attempts. Parental reports of an adolescent’s physical fighting & health problems of a family member were related to referral failure. Clinical implications are discussed. (32 refs.)