Family Environment and Suicidal Ideation Among Bipolar Youth

This study examined the association between family environment & suicide ideation among youth with bipolar disorder. Subjects included 446 youth, age 7-17, enrolled in the Course & Outcome of Bipolar Youth Study. Current suicide ideation, family functioning, & family stress were assessed at intake. Bipolar youth with current suicide ideation reported more conflict with their mother & less family adaptability. Ideators endorsed more stressful family events over the prior year & higher rates of specific family stressors. Clinicians should consider family stress when assessing suicide risk. Treatment goals may include enhancing family communication & addressing issues of loss. (37 refs.)