Sammendrag
Objective: To compare characteristics and risk factors of suicide in early adolescents (younger than age 15 years) and in late adolescents. The authors examined whether differences in risk factors or resilience might explain the different suicide rates in the two age groups. Method: Information about all registered suicides of young people in Norway from 1990 through 1992 was gathered from several professional informants. Children younger than 15 years old who committed suicide (N=14) were compared with late-adolescent suicides (15 through 19 years) (N=115), and with controls (N=889). Results: Younger compared with older adolescent suicides more often hanged themselves (93% vs 35%). Suicidal ideation (7% vs. 39%) and precipitating events were described less frequently (29% vs. 49%). Older adolescents more often had psychiatric disorders (77% vs. 43%). Compared to controls the risk factors for suicide were affective disorders (young adolescents: odds ratio (OR)=23.8,confidence interval (CI)=2.3-1183, older adolescents: OR=19.6,CI=10.6-38.8); Disruptive disorders (young adolescents OR=3.4,CI=0.0-340, older adolescents OR=6.1,CI=3.0-12.7) Not living with two biological parents: (young adolescents OR=3.1,CI=0.6-14.7, older adolescents OR=2.5, CI=1.6-3.8). Conclusion: Children and early adolescents completing suicide were less exposed to known risk factors than late adolescents. The increased suicide risk was similar for both groups when compared with community controls. The low suicide incidence in childhood may be related to fewer risk factors, rather than to resilience to risk factors.
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