Adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior: a review

Abstract

Suicide among adolescent has emerged as a major public health issue in many low and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Suicidal behavior including ideation and attempt are the most important predictors of completed suicide and offer critical points for intervention. This article reviews recent population and national data based studies of adolescent suicide and suicide attempters for analyzing risk factors for adolescent suicide and suicidal behavior. According to WHO estimates, 800,000 suicide deaths occurred worldwide in 2016 and it is the third leading cause of death for 15-19 year olds. The suicide rate in Bangladesh was 5.9 per 100,000 population in 2016 (4.7 for males and 7.0 for females). Approximately, 90 percent of suicide cases meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, particularly major depression, substance abuse and prior suicide attempts are strongly related to adolescent suicides. The relationship between psychiatric disorders and adolescent suicide is now well established. Factors related to family adversity, social alienation and precipitating problems also contribute to the risk of suicide. The main target of effective prevention of adolescent suicides is to reduce suicide risk factors. Recognition and effective management and control of psychiatric disorders, e.g. depression, are essential in preventing adolescent suicides. Research on the treatment of diagnosed depressive disorders and of those with suicidal behavior is reviewed.