Alcohol use Disorders and Risk Factor Interactions for Adolescent Suicidal Ideation and Attempts

482 adolescents who were diagnosed with at least 1 mental disorder were studied to determine the predictors of suicidal ideation & suicide attempts. Major depression was predictive of suicidal ideation & suicide attempts for both genders. Chronic stress was found predictive of male suicidal ideation, while low self-esteem & high family dysfunction were found to be predictive of suicidal ideation in females. Statistical trends suggest that females with comorbid alcohol use/conduct disorder were approximately 3 times more likely to have attempted suicide than those with only 1 of these conditions. Clinicians working with adolescents should be aware that, while depression remains the number one clinical risk for suicidal behaviour, risk factors for suicidal ideation may be different than those for attempted suicide & may vary by gender. (45 refs.)