A new lens on identifying adolescent suicide risk

Adolescent suicide is a critical public health issue, and while there have been significant advancements in screening for suicide risk, a new study from Center for Adolescent Nursing faculty indicates that our approach needs to be more nuanced. Led by Clinical Associate Professor Eunice Areba, PhD, RN, PHN, this research reveals a surprising finding: Many young people who attempt suicide do so without showing the typical warning signs of depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts.

The study, which used data from a statewide survey of Minnesota eighth, nineth, and 11th graders, found that a notable number of adolescents, particularly males and those from certain racial and ethnic groups (i.e. Black and multiracial youth), reported a past-year suicide attempt without also screening positive for common mental health symptoms. This challenges traditional thinking that we can only identify youth at risk for suicide by looking for these specific red flags.

“Our findings suggest that relying solely on reports of suicidal thoughts, or depression and anxiety screeners, could be missing a significant number of youth who are at risk for suicidal behaviors,” says Areba. “We need more comprehensive, culturally responsive and multilayered approaches that don’t just focus on a single set of symptoms.”

This research underscores the need for nurses and other clinicians to embrace universal suicide risk screening for all adolescents, regardless of whether they show obvious signs of distress. Broad, multilayered approaches may help prevent suicide death by identifying a diverse group of adolescents at risk and proactively addressing their mental health needs. Nurses in community, school, and in-patient settings are all well-positioned to advocate for and implement these broader approaches to screening. By doing so, we can move toward a more equitable system of care and ensure that no young person falls through the cracks.