Characteristics of suicidal adolescents and young adults presenting to primary care with non-suicidal (indeed non-psychological) complaints

Abstract

Background: Some young people presenting to primary care experience suicidal symptoms that they do not report. Method: We conducted a survey of suicidal ideation among 15-24-year-old patients presenting to Australian general practitioners. Results: Patients who experienced substantial, but unstated, suicidal symptoms tended to be female and somewhat younger; their depression and distress levels, while not as high as suicidal patients with psychological complaints, were nonetheless elevated. Conclusions: Young patients who evince any signs of depression or distress, particularly but not only young females, should be evaluated regarding psychological symptoms, including suicidal ideation.