Risk factors for adolescent suicide

There are many risk factors that make suicide more likely for a teenager. Being aware of these things and getting help can help prevent suicide. The biggest risk factors are a previous suicide attempt and depression. Substance abuse and having access to a gun add to the risk of suicide. If you notice any of these things talk to your child's doctor immediately.

Individual factors

• Previous suicide attempt
• Problems with friends
• Recent death of family or friends
• Academic problems or failure
• Recent sexual assault
• Concern about possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted disease
• Having a friend who has committed suicide
• Homosexual or bisexual orientation

Mental Health

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Drug and alcohol use

Family factors

• Family disruption such as divorce, parental absence, physical or sexual abuse, lack of support, conflict or hostility
• Access to guns in the house
• Family history of impulsiveness, violence or mental illness

A change in normal behavior, along with other risk factors, is also cause for concern.

Changes in behavior

• Disrupted eating and sleeping habits
• Not spending as much time with friends and family
• Aggressive behavior or running away
• Not taking care of personal hygiene
• Change in personality
• Lots of physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, tiredness
• Feeling bored or having trouble concentrating
• Not doing things that used to be fun