Current Psychiatric Morbidity, Aggression/Impulsivity, and Personality Dimensions in Child and Adolescent Suicide: a Case-Control Study

Psychiatric diagnoses, impulsive-aggressive & other personality traits were assessed in 55 child & adolescent suicide victims & 55 community controls using semi-structured proxy-based interviews & questionnaires. The most significant psychiatric risk factors associated with child & adolescent suicide were depressive disorders, substance/alcohol abuse disorder, & disruptive disorders. Additionally, suicide victims showed higher scores on lifetime aggression/impulsivity, & harm avoidance. Results reinforce the need for improved understanding of the interrelationships between stressors, mental disorders, & personality traits/dimensions in youth suicidal behaviour. (46 refs.)