Adolescent Suicide Risk Factors

Demographic risk factors

• Caucasian males are at highest risk for completion
• Fastest growing rates are among African American males
• Females are much more likely to have suicidal ideation and attempts

Emotional risk factors

• All mental disorders, but most prevalent are:
  • Depression (particularly hopelessness) and other affective disorders (particularly bipolar disorder)
  • Schizophrenia
  • Substance abuse
• Identity problems
• Anger and impulsivity
• Impulsivity
• Antisocial personality disorder/conduct disorder

Cognitive risk factors

• Rigid cognitive structure
• Poor coping skills
• Limited problem-solving ability
• Learning disability
• External locus of control
• Inability to envision a future
• Perfectionism

Environmental risk factors

• Family dysfunction, including:
  • High Ievels of conflict
  • Parental alcoholism or substance abuse
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • High levels of medical or psychiatric problems
  • Suicide within the family
• Social isolation
• Poor peer relationships
• High school graduation with no ability to foresee or plan for a future