Adolescents in substance abuse treatment experience high rates of suicide risk behaviors

In the first study of its kind, a RAND DPRC research team has found high levels of suicidal behaviors by youth in substance abuse treatment. The study surveyed 948 12-to-18-year-olds from six treatment sites in different parts of the United States every three months for a one-year period. Thirty percent of youths reported ideation ("have you thought about ending your life") at least once, and 12 percent reported attempting suicide. Substantial percentages of the youths were receiving mental health services—with half making at least one report of having used outpatient services and close to one-third reporting use of prescription drugs for an emotional or behavioral problem.

Statistical analyses tested for the extent to which individual psychological and demographic characteristics were linked to suicidal behaviors and mental health service utilization. Higher levels of conduct disorder were associated with both suicide ideation and attempts, but not with receipt of mental health treatment. Higher levels of depressive symptoms, on the other hand, were associated with ideation, though not attempts, and with more mental health treatment. Black and Hispanic youths were less likely to receive prescription drug treatment than whites. Those who reported suicide ideation were more likely to subsequently receive mental health care in outpatient settings, hospitals, or emergency rooms, but there was no indication that they were more likely to receive prescription drug treatment.

These findings suggest that more attention should be given to preventing suicide among youths in substance abuse treatment settings. They also call attention to specific groups that should be monitored more closely for suicide risk behaviors.

Note: Empty cell indicates no statistically significant correlation at 95% level. Dash in gray cell indicates relationship was not tested for. Relationships with other variables were tested but are not shown here.

Source:

A Prospective Investigation of Suicide Ideation, Attempts, and Use of Mental Health Service Among Adolescents in Substance Abuse Treatment
Ramchand R, Griffin BA, Harris KM, McCaffrey DF, Morral AR.

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