Suicidal thoughts among adolescents: an intercultural approach.

Two epidemiological surveys of suicidal ideation were conducted among adolescents, aged 15-18, in France and the Canadian province of Quebec. The results suggest that, in both countries, suicidal ideation was linked to drug use (especially tobacco, illicit drugs, and psychotropic medicine), nonspecific somatic complaints (especially tiredness, sleep difficulties, depression, and feeling tense), a lack of self-esteem (pessimism, instability, boredom), and dissatisfaction with family relationships. There was no relationship between suicidal ideation and sports activities in either country. The implications for prevention are discussed.