Adolescent suicidal behaviour: A population-based study of risk

Abstract

Background. Reports of adolescent suicidal behaviour have generally derived from clinical settings but population-based studies are likely to provide a clearer epidemiological view. Methods. Non-fatal suicidal behaviours were studied in 1699 Australian 15- to 16-year-old secondary school students at 44 schools in the state of Victoria, Australia. Self-reported episodes of self-harm were characterized using items from the Beck Suicide Intent Scale. Results. The 12 month weighted prevalence estimate for deliberate self-harm was 5.1%. The commonest forms were self-laceration (1.7%), self-poisoning (1.5%) and deliberate recklessness (1.8%). Self-poisoning and self-laceration were commoner in gir..