Suicide Among Adolescents: a Psychological Autopsy Study of Psychiatric, Psychosocial and Personality-Related Risk Factors

19 adolescent suicides were investigated using psychological autopsies. All adolescents had one or more mental disorders at time of their death; almost half were diagnosed with personality disorders. Adjustment disorders were diagnosed in one-firth of the sample, which appears to be relevant given the multiple life events & other psychosocial problems which the adolescents were facing shortly before their death. This suggests difficulties in coping with stressful psychological problems are important in the course of the suicidal process. Only a small minority were receiving treatment for their disorders. (48 refs.) JA