Psychosocial correlates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Mexican adolescents

Psychosocial correlates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among Mexican adolescents. The objective is to identify correlates of depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in adolescents. 508 males and 428 females, with a mean age of 13.7, from the Center of Mexico City, participated. A self-administered questionnaire was applied. The results indicate that students presenting depression and/or suicidal ideation have higher conflict levels with their father and/or mother, their parents argue over economic problems, lower self-esteem, higher levels of impulsivity, do not have a good relationship with their father and/or mother, and use aggressive coping responses. The prevalence of suicide attempt in men is 7% and in women is 17%. Impulsive women and men had higher risk of previous suicide attempt. For men, aggressive coping responses were associated with higher risk. For women, having a conflictive relationship with the father and/or mother and that the parents argue about economic problems indicated a greater risk. These results could contribute to prevention to identify students at risk to facilitate timely reference to health mental services.