SUICIDE RISK, DRUG ABUSE LINKED

TORONTO A study of teens who attempt suicide or think about taking their
own lives shows a disturbing link to substance abuse. "The bottom line is
parents should look out for their child who is sad, depressed and using
drugs," Columbia University child psychiatrist Dr. Madelyn Gould said at
the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Toronto Friday.

"A child getting into trouble who uses drugs shouldn't just be thought
about as a delinquent. The child could be at risk for suicide."

The key focus of the study was to see what factors distinguished teens who
just think about taking their own lives to those who actually attempt it.
The study interviewed 1,285 randomly selected children and adolescents aged
nine to 17 along with their parents. It found that substance abuse,
aggressiveness and panic attacks increased the risk of suicide attempts.