Psychiatric Services Utilization in Youths Who Completed Suicide
Author Information
Author(s): Renaud Johanne, Chagnon François, Balan Bogdan, Turecki Gustavo, McGirr Alexander, Marquette Claude
Primary Institution: CHU mère-enfant Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal
Hypothesis
What is the history of medical service utilization among youths who died by suicide?
Conclusion
The rate of psychiatric service utilization by youths who completed suicide is significantly lower than what is needed.
Supporting Evidence
- 28.3% of youths who completed suicide had psychiatric service utilization in the year before their death.
- Suicides had higher rates of psychiatric service utilization compared to living controls.
- The study highlights the need for better recognition of psychiatric issues in youth populations.
Takeaway
This study found that many young people who died by suicide didn't get the mental health help they needed before their deaths.
Methodology
The study analyzed medical service utilization among youths who died by suicide using coroner's files and provincial databases.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of bias due to the non-random selection of controls and reliance on file evidence for suicidality.
Limitations
The study had limitations including missing files and non-random selection of control groups.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 42 boys and 11 girls, with a mean age of 16.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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