Suicidal Behavior in Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients

Factors associated with suicidal behavior were evaluated during an analysis of the records of 200 consecutively admitted adolescent psychiatric inpatients. Interrater reliability was established for the rated categories of analysis, and a uniform format was used for the standardization and recording of data. Suicidal attempts occurred in 34% of inpatients. DSM-III diagnoses positively associated with suicidal behavior were major depressive and alcohol abuse disorders. Significant predictors of suicidal behavior were alcohol abuse, past suicidal behavior, depression, and aggressive behavior. Some differences between male and female patients were found.