Youth Suicide

Abstract

Youth suicide rates have increased markedly in New Zealand during the last three decades and are now among the highest in the developed world. Major risk factors for suicidal behaviour include: psychiatric illness (notably, depressive disorders, substance abuse disorders and antisocial behaviours) previous suicide attempts and comorbid diagnoses of more than one mental disorder; exposure to adverse childhood and family experiences; social disadvantage; borderline and antisocial personality disorders; genetic and biologic factors. The best hope for substantial reduction in youth suicide rates may lie in reducing the number of young people with mental disorders. There is substantial scope for schools to participate in inter-sectoral efforts to promote and improve youth mental health in order to reduce vulnerability to mental disorders associated with suicidal behaviour.