Gender Differences in Adolescents and Young Adults With Suicidal Behaviour

Gender differences in prevalence rates of suicide attempts & suicidal thoughts as well as in risk factors for suicide attempts such as traumatic events & mental disorders were investigated in a random sample of 3021 adolescents aged 14-24 years. The female suicide attempters showed suicidal thoughts & suicide attempts significantly more often, & suicide attempts at a much younger age than the males. Furthermore, the females experienced sexual abuse & suffered from anxiety disorders more often. The male suicide attempters showed higher rates of alcohol disorders & financial problems. (25 refs)