Outcome of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior in a Young, Help-Seeking Population Over a 2-Year Period

This study examined the prevalence of suicidal behaviour in a sample of referrals to a youth psychiatric service & investigated the stability of suicidality over 2 years. 82 youth who were accepted for treatment & 58 who were not were assessed. 57% reported considering suicide & 39% reported attempting suicide in the 12 months prior to referral. Participants who reported suicide ideation were significantly more likely to have multiple Axis I diagnoses & lower levels of functioning. At 2-year follow-up there was a significant reduction in suicidality in the treatment group but not in the group not accepted for treatment. (15 refs.)