By Nathalie Auger, MD; Nicholas Chadi; Aimina Ayoub: For Complete Post, Click Here…
Key Points
Question Do female youths who attempt suicide have an increased risk of substance use disorders later in life?
Findings In this cohort study of 122 234 females aged 8 to 19 years followed up for 31 years, suicide attempts before 20 years of age were associated with greater risk of developing a substance use disorder later in life compared with no suicide attempt. Female youths with repeated suicide attempts or who attempted suicide by hanging or suffocation were at greatest risk of subsequent substance use disorders.
Meaning The findings suggest that female youths who attempt suicide may require better monitoring for substance use disorders after the initial suicide attempt.
