A comparison of responses on the Suicide Intent Scale of Norwegian adolescents up to 15 years and between 15-20 years

Aim: To compare the responses on the Suicide Intent Scale of Norwegian adolescents in two age groups: up to 15 years and between 15-20 years Method: A representative sample of high school students (N = 2464, mean age 13.7 years, T1) was followed up after a year (mean age 14.3 years, T2) with the same questionnaire. At T2, a subset (n = 345) of high scorers on the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire and controls (low and medium scorers) matched for age and gender were diagnostically assessed by face-to-face K-SADS interviews subsequently, with a participation rate of 94.2%. This subset was followed up five years later (n =242, mean age 20 years, T3) with telephone interviews. All those who were assessed to have reached clinical threshold levels of suicidal acts also completed the Suicide Intent Scale (SIS) as part of the same interview, both at T2 (n = 21) and T3 (n = 25). The SIS has objective and subjective parts. Results: Overdoses, as a method was more frequent in the older group while the younger group reported using blades/knives more than the older ones. Suicidal acts in early adolescence were impulsive as compared to the acts from mid adolescence to early adulthood. The suicidal intent was clearer and stronger in acts up to early adolescence as compared to later acts. Conclusions: Although suicidal acts in early adolescence might appear to be impulsive and not serious, a majority of them reported clear suicidal intent.