Suicide is a significant public health concern, particularly among children, adolescents, and young adults (AYA). Mental health disorders are a major contributing factor to suicidal behaviors, yet little is known about age-specific risk factors. This knowledge gap motivated a team of researchers, including our very own Dr. Michael Murphy, to conduct a study examining the risk factors for suicide attempts in children and AYA with mental health disorders across three age groups.

The study, published in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health journal, analyzed data from over 1,200 children and AYA who had received psychiatric treatment for mental health disorders. The participants were divided into three age groups: pre-adolescent children (aged ≤ 12), adolescents (aged 13–17), and young adults (aged 18–25). The researchers found that the prevalence of suicide attempts increased with age, with young adults having the highest rates.

The study identified several age-specific risk factors for suicidal behaviors. For pre-adolescent children, the presence of an anxiety disorder and parental conflict were significant risk factors. For adolescents, depression, anxiety, and a history of self-harm were the most significant predictors of suicide attempts. Young adults were most likely to attempt suicide if they had a history of suicidal ideation, substance use disorders, or a history of sexual abuse.

The researchers also found that the patterns of psychiatric disorders varied across the age groups. Pre-adolescent children were more likely to have anxiety disorders, while depression was more prevalent among adolescents and young adults.

The findings of this study have important implications for suicide prevention efforts. Suicide prevention strategies should take into account the age-specific risk factors and patterns of psychiatric disorders. For pre-adolescent children, interventions that address parental conflict and anxiety disorders may be particularly effective. Adolescents may benefit from interventions that target depression, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors. Young adults may require more targeted interventions that address substance use disorders, sexual abuse, and previous suicidal ideation.

In conclusion, the study sheds light on age-specific risk factors for suicidal behaviors among children and AYA with mental health disorders. Suicide prevention efforts should be tailored to address the unique needs of each age group, taking into account the specific risk factors and patterns of psychiatric disorders. The findings of this study have the potential to inform suicide prevention efforts and improve outcomes for children and AYA with mental health concerns.