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Research on Teen Depression and Suicide |
Read a new fact sheet on youth suicide and prevention, September 2010.
In a recent study of adolescents who were treated for depression, almost all of the depressed adolescents recovered. However, recurrence of depression occured in almost half of the recovered adolescents.
- This supports the case for annual depression screening.
An estimated 8% of 12-to-17 year olds or (2 million young people) experienced at least one major depressive episode during the past year.
- Only 39% received treatment.
Complications of untreated teen depression are far-reaching and may affect many aspects of a young person's life, including:
- School absenteeism and decreased performance.
- Strained relations with parents and siblings.
- Withdrawal from peers leading to reduced support systems.
- Increased chance of smoking and excess alcohol and drug use.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 11 to 18-year-olds.
- 15% of U.S. high school students report serious thoughts of killing themselves in the past year.
- 11% of U.S. high school students report making a suicide plan in the past year.
- 7% of U.S. high school students report attempting suicide in the past year.
- 2% of U.S. high school students report having made a suicide attempt that required medical attention in the past year.
The majority, 63%, of teen suicide victims exhibit psychiatric symptoms for more than a year before their deaths.
- For every completed suicide, an estimated 8 to 25 attempts occur.
- Over three million youth are at risk for suicide, yet only 36% receive treatment.
- 75% of parents did not know about their child’s self-harm behavior.
- Fewer than one in five adolescent ideators disclose their suicidal ideation and between 30% and 60% of suicide attempters do not disclose their attempts, with only 10% of suicide attempts being known to parents.
Males are at a much higher risk for suicide—one female dies by suicide for every four males.
- At age 10–14, boys die by suicide almost three times more often than girls.
- At age 15–19, five times more often.
- At age 20–24, almost 10 times more often.
To learn more about adolescent mental health in your state:
Download the 2007 Columbia University Teen Suicide Fact Sheet  |
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