Suicidality in Adjustment Disorder: Clinical Characteristics of Adolescent Outpatients

Background, psychopathology, & treatment-related factors were examined among suicidal adolescent outpatients with adjustment disorders. Data on 302 consecutively referred psychiatric outpatients, aged 12-22 years, were collected. Of the patients, 89 received a diagnosis of adjustment disorder, 25% showed suicide attempts, suicidal threats or ideation. Compared with non-suicidal adjustment disorder patients, suicidal patients were characterized by previous psychiatric treatment, poor psychosocial functioning at treatment entry, suicide as a stressor, dysphoric mood, & pscyhomotor restlessness. Psychiatric assessment should include careful monitoring of symptomatology & exposure to suicide of significant others. (41 refs.)