Persistent Withdrawn Behavior and Physical Complaints May be Linked to Suicidal Thoughts in Teens

A recent cohort study shed light on an important aspect of adolescent mental health -- the association between certain behavior in younger years and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in the teen years. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 3000 Japanese children surveyed at ages 10, 12, and 16, discovered a significant correlation between persistent withdrawn symptoms and increasing somatic symptoms during early to mid-adolescence and the risk of suicidal thoughts in mid-adolescence.

To gather data, the study asked both the children and their caregivers to complete the Japanese version of the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 10, 12, and 16. The children were then asked about their passive suicidal thoughts at age 16. Passive ideation refers to thoughts about suicide without an active plan. Passive ideation usually does not indicate a need for emergency intervention, but it is a well-known risk factor for later suicide attempts and warrants professional therapy or counseling.

Upon analyzing the data for the almost 2000 minors for whom ideation data was available, researchers found a strong association between suicidal thoughts and the CBCL subscales for withdrawn behavior and somatic symptoms. Somatic symptoms, which are physical problems with no identified medical cause, often are physical manifestations of mental health issues.

Teens who displayed high and persistent scores on withdrawn behavior since age 10 were found to have more than twice the incidents of suicidal ideations compared to those with lower scores. Additionally, the correlation with high somatic symptoms was three times as high as with low symptoms.

These findings highlight the importance of paying attention to certain symptoms that may indicate a higher risk of suicide in adolescents, particularly when they persist or increase over time. Youth-serving organizations, such as schools and community centers, need to be aware of the potential warning signs exhibited by middle school students who are highly withdrawn or frequently complain of physical symptoms with no medical cause. These symptoms may not only indicate the presence of other mental health problems but also signal an increased risk of suicide.

YSOs need to provide these teens a safe, nurturing environment, and gently ask questions to allow them to express their concerns. Then, if we hear either passive or active suicidal ideation, we need to have a well-prepared plan for responding and helping children deal with their anxiety and depression.

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