Psychiatry Investig.  2015 Jan;12(1):29-36. 10.4306/pi.2015.12.1.29.

Clinical Characteristics and Precipitating Factors of Adolescent Suicide Attempters Admitted for Psychiatric Inpatient Care in South Korea

• Park S
• Kim JW
• Kim BN
• Bae JH
• Shin MS
• Yoo HJ
• Cho SC

• KMID: 2316386
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2015.12.1.29

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We aimed to examine the rates, correlates, methods, and precipitating factors of suicide attempts among adolescent patients admitted for psychiatric inpatient care from 1999 to 2010 in a university hospital in Korea.
METHODS
The subjects consisted of 728 patients who were admitted for psychiatric inpatient care in a university hospital over a 12-year period and who were aged 10-19 years at the time of admission. We retrospectively investigated the information on suicidal behaviors and other clinical information by reviewing the subjects' electronic medical records. Whether these patients had completed their suicide on 31 December 2010 was determined by a link to the database of the National Statistical Office.
RESULTS
Among 728 subjects, 21.7% had suicidal ideation at admission, and 10.7% admitted for suicidal attempts. Female gender, divorced/widowed parents, and the presence of mood disorders were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of suicide attempts. Most common method of suicide attempts was cutting, and most common reason for suicide attempts was relationship problems within the primary support group. A diagnosis of schizophrenia was associated with increased risk of death by suicide after discharge.
CONCLUSION
These results highlight the role of specific psychosocial factor (e.g., relational problems) and psychiatric disorders (e.g., mood disorders) in the suicide attempts of Korean adolescents, and the need for effective prevention strategies for adolescents at risk for suicide.

Keyword

Suicide; Risk factors; Adolescents

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Diagnosis
Electronic Health Records
Female
Humans
Inpatients*
Korea
Mood Disorders
Parents
Precipitating Factors*
Psychology
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Schizophrenia
Self-Help Groups
Suicidal Ideation
Suicide*