P01-165 - Teenagers’ Suicidal Behavior, Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

Abstract

Statistical data of recent years evidences that Lithuania is leading in Europe in the suicide rate. Suicide is one of the main causes of death in adolescence. Objective: The goal of the study was to establish the relationship between teenagers' anxiety and depression symptoms and suicidal behavior. Methods: Two groups of teenagers from 14 to 17 took part in the study: the study group (after suicide attempts, N=109) and the control group (no suicide attempts, N=218). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used in evaluating anxiety and depression symptoms. Results: Evaluating adolescents', who attempted suicide, anxiety and depression symptoms according to HADS, no significant differences between genders were determined: anxiety symptoms were determined to 22.8% of girls and 26.9% of boys (χ 2 =3.50, df=2, p=0.2), depression symptoms were determined to 21.1% of girls and 26.9% of boys (χ 2 =1.01, df=2, p=0.6). Evaluating possible impact on teenagers' suicidal behavior, the odds rate was calculated, the chance was determined whether a suicide is possibly attempted. The possibility of suicidal behavior was increased significantly by anxiety and depression symptoms, determined with HADS: 3,9 times more anxiety symptoms (95%, CI 1,6-9,7) and 9,2 times more depression symptoms (95% CI 2,9-29,7) in boys, and in girls, respectively-2,5 times (95%, CI 1,1-5,9) and 7,6 times (95%, CI 2,4-24,8). Conclusions: Anxiety and depression symptoms, according to HADS, may have possible impact on teenagers' suicidal behavior.