25 Years of Breakthroughs: NARSAD Grantee Determines Key Risk Factors for Teen Suicide
January 30, 2012
David A. Brent, M.D.
In 1988, NARSAD Distinguished Investigator Grantee, David A. Brent, M.D. made significant discoveries leading to the identification of risk factors for youth suicide. Until his research in the late 1980s, the media portrayed suicidal teens as “talented”, “misunderstood” and it being “the parents’ fault”. Dr. Brent’s studies determined that the true warning signs for youths at risk for committing suicide related more to presence of bipolar disorder and/or depression (family history and/or the individual), substance abuse, impulsive aggression, parental suicidal behavior and access to firearms. Dr. Brent’s research group went on to demonstrate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for adolescent depression.
Read Article from 2006 NARSAD Research Newsletter
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Article comments
This is terrific research that you're doing. But, as a suicide survivor, I was struck by the phrase " ... a risk for committing suicide ..." We try to discourage the use of that term. (Please see http://www.masspreventssuicide.org/resources/terminology/ - scroll down to the bottom under "Terms to Avoid". Thanks for your consideration.
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