Adolescent suicide: a review of the literature

Bol Asoc Med P R. 2000 Jan-Mar;92(1-3):30-8.

Abstract

This article reviews the literature on the risk factors related to teen suicide in the United States and Puerto Rico. Findings indicate the interplay of multifactors including depression, homosexuality--due to the hostility that is often experienced by the person--, sexual abuse, lack of coping, social and problem-solving skills stemming from family dysfunction, feelings of isolation and helplessness, contagion, gender differences, alcohol and drug abuse, psychiatric disorders, biological factors, as well as natural disasters. Included in this report are some statistics on the prevalence of suicide among teens and in the military.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Alcohol Drinking
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / psychology
  • Military Personnel / psychology
  • Poverty
  • Puerto Rico
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Suicide* / psychology
  • Suicide* / statistics & numerical data
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data