BUFFALO, N.Y., May 14 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have found that binge drinking mixed with depression and stressful events can predict suicidal behavior among teens.
The researchers, at the University of Buffalo and elsewhere, found binge drinking was an important predictor of actual suicide attempts compared to suicidal thoughts -- even after accounting for high levels of depression and stress. Such behavior may be a better predictor of actual suicide attempts because binge drinking episodes frequently precede serious suicide attempts, they said.
Depressed teens also were more likely than other teens to report suicidal thoughts and attempts and to say they had told others about their suicide plans. Stressful life events, from a parent dying to failing a class, were also good predictors of suicidal thoughts and attempts.
The survey was based on 1,218 sophomores and juniors at several Buffalo-area high schools. Researchers found 28 percent of adolescents had suicidal thoughts, about 13 percent of the teens told someone about their suicidal thoughts and 4 percent had attempted suicide.
