Date of Graduation

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Suicide remains stable as the third leading cause of death of adolescents in the United States (CDC, 2004). The rate of adolescent suicide is 10 per 100,000 or approximately one suicide every two hours (AAS, 2006). Adolescent substance abusers are a unique population with a high risk for suicide. The relation between suicide and substance abuse has been examined yet the nature of this relation is unclear (Goldston, 2004). This study added to the two published studies (Berman & Schwartz, 1990; Deykin & Buka, 1994) that examined suicidal behavior in residential adolescents with a primary diagnosis of substance abuse/dependence by providing further clarification of the suicide risk and resilience factors. Participants received suicide assessments upon intake. Group assignments were based upon the ASAP-12, a clinician-rated measure of adolescent suicide risk, and record review. Participations were classified as nonattempters (n = 48) and suicide attempters (n = 24) (including single attempters (n = 14) and multiple attempters (n = 10). Suicide attempters had more risk factors and less resilience factors upon assessment as compared to nonattempters. Significant factors included history of family suicide attempt(s)/completions, depression, fewer reasons for living, and less suicide resilience. Contrary to predictions, recent losses, number and type of legal charges, sexual orientation, and abuse as a child did not differ between groups. The ASAP-12 has good predictive power and sensitivity and specificity for group classification for this sample. The RFLA and SRI are helpful measures of suicide resiliency for adolescents in the sample. Results from this study could help target adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment who are at especially high risk for suicide. Incorporating information from these findings could assist with development of additional, specialized treatment for those targeted adolescents and also add general information to the adolescent suicide literature.

Download

Share

COinS