Suicidal ideation among help-seeking adolescents: association with a negative self-image.

Self-image and factors associated with suicidal ideation were studied among adolescents (N=168, age 17.7+/-2.3 years, 72% girls) seeking psychiatric assessment. The Structured Clinical Interview, Beck Depression Inventory and Offer Self-Image Questionnaire were used. Suicidal ideation (SI) was reported by 64% of subjects, of whom 20% received no psychiatric diagnosis and 58% had depressive disorders. SI in boys associated with being bullied at school and talking about one's problems only with friends, and in girls with a negative attitude towards the future and a negative self-image of one's own mental health. Because suicidal ideation frequently occurs without formal psychiatric diagnosis it should be assessed separately. Special attention should be paid to adolescents' negative self-perception.