Suicide: What are the factors that influence adolescents ideation?

Background: Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. It is the third leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults ages 10-24. The purpose of this study was to identify the major risk factors among adolescents who have either contemplated or attempted suicide. Along with successful suicides, suicide attempts and ideation are coexisting factors that are prominent in the adolescent population and therefore warrant major concern. Methods: A secondary data analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey was completed to explore the factors that may influence adolescents' thoughts or actions about suicidal behavior. The YRBS represents high school students throughout the 50 states. Nine questions from the YRBS were used to elicit information about the relationship among the risk factors: 1) use of illegal drugs and alcohol, 2) mental health, and 3) suicidal thoughts and attempts. Results: Statistically significant relationships among the risk factors were found for adolescents. Adolescents considered suicide (15.8%), attempted suicide at least once (7.8%), and were injured while attempting suicide (n = 2.7%). Conclusion: Our findings support the idea that illegal substance abuse can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. Further, adolescents, who were depressed, had a positive relationship with suicidal ideations, supporting similar studies suggesting that depression leads to suicidal action. Prescription drug use without a physician order lead to suicidal behavior.