Citation

Rowan AB. Depress. Anxiety 2001; 14(3): 186-191.

Affiliation

Treatment Research Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA. rowan_a@mail.trc.upenn.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11747129

Abstract

Rates of adolescent suicide have increased significantly in the last five decades as have rates of adolescent substance abuse. However, the relationship between substance abuse and adolescent suicide is unclear. To better understand this relationship, a literature review that focused on the role of substance abuse in adolescent suicide was performed. The results of this review are discussed in this article. The most important risk factors for completed and attempted suicide are mental disorders (mood disorders and disruptive behavior disorders) and substance abuse [Brent, 1995: Suicide Life-Threatening Behav 25:52-63]. Furthermore, family history, social factors, and the presence of firearms in the home may contribute significantly to the risk for suicide. More research is needed in this area particularly with regard to cultural issues, substance abuse, and suicide.