Which factor is most predictive of suicide in an adolescent?

Which factor is most predictive of suicide in an adolescent?

• A. Major mood disorder
• B. Previous suicide attempt
• C. Substance and alcohol abuse
• D. Family history of suicide

Answer: (B)

In adolescent suicide risk assessment, past behavior is the strongest predictor of future risk. A prior suicide attempt signals both the presence of significant distress and access to means, and it identifies a group with much higher likelihood of future attempts compared with peers without such history. The risk is highest for those with multiple attempts or more lethal prior methods, but any previous attempt markedly raises concern and warrants immediate safety planning, thorough evaluation, and appropriate intervention. While major mood disorders, substance and alcohol abuse, and a family history of suicide each contribute to risk, they do not predict future attempts as strongly on their own as having a prior attempt. Thus, a history of a previous suicide attempt stands out as the most predictive factor among the options.

In adolescent suicide risk assessment, past behavior is the strongest predictor of future risk. A prior suicide attempt signals both the presence of significant distress and access to means, and it identifies a group with much higher likelihood of future attempts compared with peers without such history. The risk is highest for those with multiple attempts or more lethal prior methods, but any previous attempt markedly raises concern and warrants immediate safety planning, thorough evaluation, and appropriate intervention.

While major mood disorders, substance and alcohol abuse, and a family history of suicide each contribute to risk, they do not predict future attempts as strongly on their own as having a prior attempt. Thus, a history of a previous suicide attempt stands out as the most predictive factor among the options.