Hopeless Depression and Suicidal Symptoms in Adolescents

Abstract

A structured interview of 47 hospitalized adolescents revealed significant differences between adolescents attempting suicide and adolescents not attempting suicide. Suicidal adolescents were significantly more likely to show diagnosed chronic depression and any depression combined with schizotypical features. The medical lethality of the suicide attempt was associated with a serious intent to die and a previous attempt. Suicidal behavior was associated with self-reported depressed feelings, distinct quality of depressed mood, hopelessness, worrying, guilt, negative self-evaluation, and somatic anxiety. Hopelessness was strongly associated with general suicidal tendencies, dual attempts, and medical lethality of attempts. Awareness of these clinical indicators may help identify potentially suicidal adolescents.