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Search Strategy (Adolescent Suicides)

Name

Course

Professor

Date of Submission
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Clinical Question

Definition of the Problem

The issue of adolescent suicide is on the rise and demands urgent attention. Adolescence

is a period of immense growth and emotional vulnerability (Bilsen, 2018). Adolescents face

many transition challenges related to academics, hormonal fluctuations, socialization, and mental

health. Unfortunately, some individuals fail to cope with these significant transitions resulting in

feelings of hopelessness, despair, isolation, and the beginning of mental health challenges

(Occhipinti et al., 2021). Some may perceive suicide as the permanent answer to their mental

distress. This paper aims to address the problem of increasing suicide rates among adolescents in

society and explore potential interventions to prevent such tragic outcomes.

Implications of the Problem to patient and Public Health Outcomes

The increasing number of suicide cases among adolescents in the community has

significant implications for patient outcomes and public health in general (Cavelti & Kaess,

2021). Suicide is ranked as the fourth leading cause of death for individuals in the adolescent

stage, according to the World health organization. Similarly, The Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention (2023) placed suicide as the second leading factor in death in the U.S. The rate of

suicide was 11.8 per 100,000 in young people between 15 and 19 years. Adolescent suicides also

have a long-lasting effect on the mental health and the general well-being of loved ones.

Research indicates that for an individual case of adolescent suicide, more than six close family

and friends are deeply affected by the tragic incident (World Health Organization, 2021). In

some instances, it leads to suicide contagion, and individuals who are already vulnerable may

also consider suicide due to the exposure.

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Moreover, adolescent suicides disrupt academic environments affecting the outcomes of

an educational setting. Students experience difficulty concentrating and attending school

frequently; reducing their academic potential. According to the Centre for Disease Control and

Prevention (2023), educational institutions that have experienced cases of suicide are likely to

see poor academic performance and increased absence from schools due to trauma. Adolescents

who experience thoughts of suicide or engage in suicide attempts mostly have issues related to

their mental well-being. 90% of young people who die by suicide have unique mental health

conditions, including depression, anxiety, or substance abuse (National Institute of Mental

Health, 2021). Psychological disorders affect the patient outcomes and well-being of these

individuals negatively. Approximately 17% of high school students reported seriously

considering attempting suicide, and 8.9% reported making a suicide attempt in the past year

(Wasserman et al., 2021). Adolescent suicides impose substantial economic burdens on society,

stemming from young individual’s lost potential productivity and contributions, which in turn

affects economic development.

Noteworthy, there exist disparities in suicide rates among adolescents, including gender

disparities and sexual identity. The suicide rate among males aged 15 to 19 was 18.6 per 100,000

population in 2019. The rate was 5.7 per 100,000 population for their female counterparts

(Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). These disparities underscore the need to

consider gender-specific factors when addressing adolescent suicides (Kumar et al., 2021). In

essence, the unique challenges these populations face should be considered to aid in

implementing targeted interventions that address their specific needs and experiences.

Synthesis of Literature

Evidence Matrix Table

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Reference Purpose/Hypothesis/ Variables Study Sample Data

Study Question(s) (I/D) Design Size and Collection

Selection Methods

Bilsen, J. To identify risk factors I: Risk Review N/A Literature

(2018). associated with suicide factors article review

Suicide and in youth

youth: risk

factors.

Frontiers in

Psychiatry,

p. 540.

Wasserman, To review current I: Risk and Narrative Literature

D., Carli, V., knowledge on risk and protective review N/A review

Iosue, M., protective factors for factors; D:

Javed, A., & suicide in childhood and Effectivenes

Herrman, H. adolescence and assess s of

(2021). the effectiveness of intervention

Suicide interventions in s

prevention in preventing suicide

childhood
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and

adolescence:

A narrative

review of

current

knowledge...

Occhipinti, To develop a systems I: Systems Modellin Modelling

J. A., model and simulation to modelling g study N/A and

Skinner, A., guide targeted and simulation

Iorfino, F., investments for reducing simulation;

Lawson, K., youth suicide D: Youth

Sturgess, J., suicide

Burgess, W., reduction

... & Hickie,

I. (2021).

Reducing

youth

suicide:

Systems

modelling

and...
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Kumar, P., To investigate the role of I: Sexual Cross- 1,000 Self-report

Srivastava, sexual abuse, abuse, sectional adolescent questionnaire

S., Mishra, depression, and depression, study s s

P. S., & impulsive behaviour in impulsive

Sinha, D. suicidal ideation among behaviour;

(2021). adolescents D: Suicidal

Suicidal ideation

ideation

among

adolescents

—the role of

sexual abuse,

depression,

and

impulsive

behavior.

Frontiers in

psychiatry,

2367.
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Cavelti, M., To examine the systemic I: Systemic Opinion N/A Literature

& Kaess, M. failures contributing to failures; D: article review

(2021). adolescent suicide Adolescent

Adolescent suicide

suicide: an

individual

disaster, but

a systemic

failure.

European

child &

adolescent

psychiatry,

30(7), 987-

990.

Variables

Bilsen (2018) focused on identifying risk factors associated with suicide in youth.

Wasserman et al. (2021) reviewed current knowledge on risk and protective factors for suicide in

childhood and adolescence, as well as the effectiveness of interventions in preventing suicide.

Occhipinti et al. (2021) developed a systems model and simulation to guide targeted investments
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for reducing youth suicide. Kumar et. al. (2021) examined the relationship between suicidal

ideation among adolescents and variables such as experiences of sexual abuse, depressive

symptoms, and impulsive behavior. Cavelti & Kaess (2021) focused on adolescent suicide as

both an individual and systemic issue. The variables considered in this study could involve

individual factors including mental health conditions, substance abuse, social isolation and

systemic factors including healthcare system, education system, social support networks that

contribute to adolescent suicide.

Methods

Bilsen (2018) conducted a review article, which is a type of qualitative study design,

analyzing existing literature on risk factors for suicide in youth. Wassermans et al. (2021)

conducted a narrative review, which is also a qualitative study design, summarizing and

synthesizing information from existing studies on suicide prevention in childhood and

adolescence. Occhipinti et al. (2021) utilized a modeling study design to develop a systems

model and simulation for reducing youth suicide. Cavelti and Kaess (2021) discuss the issue of

adolescent suicide from both an individual and systemic perspective. This article is a

commentary piece rather than a primary research study. Therefore, it does not present original

study design or procedures. The study by Kumar et al. (2021) utilizes a cross-sectional design to

gather data. The researchers recruited a sample of adolescents from different educational

institutions or communities. To assess the variables of interest, the researchers employed

validated self-report questionnaires or scales.

Participants
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In Bilsen's article (2018), it is a review article that focuses on identifying risk factors associated

with suicide in youth. Therefore, it does not involve specific participant demographics or

information. Similarly, in Wasserman et al.'s narrative review (2021), the study does not involve

primary research or data collection with specific participant demographics. Instead, it reviews

existing literature on risk and protective factors for suicide in childhood and adolescence. Kumar

et al., involved 1000 adolescents in the study who had experienced suicide ideation attempts. For

Occhipinti et al.'s study (2021), it is a modeling and simulation study that aims to guide targeted

investments for reducing youth suicide. As a modeling study, it does not involve participant

demographics or specific data collection from individuals. These sources are review articles that

summarize existing research and do not employ specific data collection instruments.

Implications for Future Work

The research findings provide valuable insights into various aspects of the clinical

problem of adolescent suicide. Bilsen (2018) identifies risk factors associated with suicide in

youth, which can help inform prevention strategies and interventions. Wasserman et al. (2021)

review the current knowledge on risk and protective factors and the effectiveness of

interventions, providing evidence-based guidance for preventing suicide in childhood and

adolescence. Occhipinti et al. (2021) offer a system modeling approach to guide targeted

investments for reducing youth suicide, providing a framework for strategic decision-making.

The CDC provides information on disparities in suicide rates among different populations,

highlighting the importance of addressing these disparities. The NIMH focuses on understanding

the characteristics of suicide in young children, which is crucial for early identification and

intervention. The WHO provides an overview of mental health issues in adolescents,

emphasizing the need to address mental health concerns proactively.

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Two questions to guide the group's work:

 What are the specific components and characteristics of comprehensive mental health

support programs that have shown effectiveness in reducing suicide rates and improving

psychological well-being in at-risk adolescents?

 How can comprehensive mental health support programs be implemented and integrated

into existing healthcare systems and educational settings to ensure widespread

accessibility and impact?

Conclusion

The evidence gathered from the reviewed sources provides valuable insights into the

clinical problem of adolescent suicides and offers important implications for addressing this

pressing issue. The articles by Bilsen (2018) and Wasserman et al. (2021) highlight the risk

factors, protective factors, and interventions related to youth suicide. These findings contribute to

our understanding of the complex nature of adolescent suicides and emphasize the importance of

implementing comprehensive mental health support programs. Furthermore, the study by

Occhipinti et al. (2021) employs systems modeling and simulation techniques to guide targeted

investments for reducing youth suicide. This study underscores the need for a multidimensional

approach that considers the various determinants influencing suicide rates among young

individuals. By examining the CDC, NIMH, and WHO sources, we gain insights into the

disparities in suicide rates, the characteristics of suicide in young children, and the overall

importance of adolescent mental health. These sources provide a broader context and highlight

the significant impact of adolescent suicides on public health, educational outcomes, and the

well-being of individuals and communities. In summary, the evidence gathered from these

sources emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support programs, targeted
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interventions, and the promotion of inclusive environments to address the rising rates of

adolescent suicides. Further research and evidence-based practices are essential in implementing

effective strategies to prevent youth suicide, support at-risk individuals, and improve the overall

well-being of vulnerable populations. As we reflect on the findings and consider the complex

factors involved in adolescent suicides, it becomes clear that a collaborative effort is necessary

among healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, and communities to develop and

implement comprehensive approaches that address the underlying risk factors and promote

mental health resilience among young individuals. This assignment highlights the importance of

understanding the problem, evaluating evidence, and identifying areas for further research and

intervention to make a positive impact on reducing adolescent suicides.

References

Bilsen, J. (2018). Suicide and youth: risk factors. Frontiers in Psychiatry, p. 540.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Understanding the Characteristics of Suicide in

Young Children. Retrieved from

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https://www.nimh.nih.gov/news/science-news/2021/understanding-the-characteristics-

of-suicide-in-young-children

Occhipinti, J. A., Skinner, A., Iorfino, F., Lawson, K., Sturgess, J., Burgess, W., ... & Hickie, I.

(2021). Reducing youth suicide: Systems modeling and simulation to guide targeted

investments across the determinants. BMC Medicine, 19(1), 1–13.

Wasserman, D., Carli, V., Iosue, M., Javed, A., & Herrman, H. (2021). Suicide prevention in

childhood and adolescence: A narrative review of current knowledge on risk and

protective factors and effectiveness of interventions. Asia‐Pacific Psychiatry, 13(3),

e12452.

Cavelti, M., & Kaess, M. (2021). Adolescent suicide: an individual disaster, but a systemic

failure. European child & adolescent psychiatry, 30(7), 987-990.

Kumar, P., Srivastava, S., Mishra, P. S., & Sinha, D. (2021). Suicidal ideation among

adolescents—the role of sexual abuse, depression, and impulsive behavior. Frontiers in

psychiatry, 2367.

World Health Organization. (2021, November 17). Adolescent Mental Health. Retrieved from

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, January 2). Disparities in Suicide. Retrieved

from https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/disparities-in-suicide.html
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