Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth seeking mental health treatment in Texas: Youth Depression and Suicide Network research registry

Abstract

IntroductionSuicidality in youth is a serious public health problem. The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX‐YDSRN) was initiated in 2020 to create a research registry for youth with depression and/or suicidality in Texas. This report presents baseline clinical/demographic characteristics of the first 1000 participants, focusing on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.MethodsThe registry includes 8–20‐year‐old youth receiving treatment for depression, or who screen positive for depression and/or suicidal ideation/behavior. Baseline data include diagnosis, depression/anxiety severity, suicidal ideation/behavior, trauma history, and measures of resilience.ResultsWe present baseline data on the first 1000 participants. Most (79.6%) of the sample had a primary depressive disorder. The sample had moderate to severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents, PHQ‐A; 12.9 ± 6.4) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD‐7; 11.3 ± 5.9). Nearly half reported ≥1 lifetime suicide attempts and 90% reported lifetime or current suicidal ideation. Participants with past/current suicidality (attempts and/or ideation) had greater illness severity (depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors), lower resilience, and higher rates of trauma exposure than those without suicidality.ConclusionsBaseline data indicate moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and their correlates in this cohort. Future reports will determine trajectories of outcomes and predictors, moderators, and social determinants related to these outcomes.

In Mind and Spirit: The Psychosocial Impacts of Religiosity in Youth Mental Health Treatment

“…In 2021, 9.3% of children aged 3-17 in Texas received mental healthcare in the past year, compared to 11.2% of children in the United States [5] A study utilizing baseline data on 1000 participants identified that 79.6% of the sample had a primary depressive disorder, with nearly half reporting one or more lifetime suicide attempts and 90% reporting lifetime or current suicidal ideation [6]. The same study found Psych 2024, 6 that participants with past or current suicidality had greater illness severity in depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors, lower resilience, and higher rates of trauma exposure than those without suicidality. The limited number of mental health clinicians available heightens widespread mental health struggles when considering how essential clinicians are to providing treatment for suicidal youth patients.…”