Youth Suicide: a Psychological Autopsy Study of Completers and Controls

This study investigated risk factors that could help to differentiate between 14-25-year-old suicide attempters who survive & those who do not. Using a case-control psychological autopsy method, 29 suicide victims & 23 matched survivor controls were included. Survivors, parents, & a close friend participated independently in semistructured interviews. Based on odds ratios, school suspension & irritability provided the best predictive factors for survival. Together with an Axis II cluster C diagnosis, high Global Assessment of Functioning scale, reactivity of depressed mood, & levels of obsessions were associated significantly with dying by suicide. 72% of cases died on their first attempt. The vast majority of subjects sought general medical care in the months preceding their suicidal behaviour. (42 refs.)