Year: 1981 Source: Journal of Adolescent Health Care, v.1, no.4, (June 1981), p.269-274 SIEC No: 20021019

In an effort to understand the precipitating factors in adolescent suicide attempts & the professional response to the adolescent attempting suicide, a comprehensive review was undertaken at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). A total of 232 subjects admitted to CHLA from January 1972 through July 1978 were included in a retrospective chart analysis. Data on adolescents who had attempted suicide were extracted from their medical records & compared with those of matched groups of adolescents admitted for reasons other than suicide attempt. Comparisons were made of demographic data, family background, hospital admission, & professional involvement. Our findings confirmed that most attempters are female midadolescents & are likely to use drugs in the attempt. In addition, our results underscored the importance of the family with respect to the precipitation of an adolescent suicide attempt & the subsequent treatment approach. (23 refs)