Abstract:

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of depression symptoms, an important risk factor in suicide attempts, in adolescents who attempted suicide and also in their mothers. Materials and methods: Suicide attempters and their mothers were the participants (n= 141). Patients\' socio-demographic characteristics were recorded; Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Hopelessness Scale were administered to the participants. Results: Of the participating patients, 81.6% were female, 41.1% were between 13-15 years old, 51.8% were older than 16. Vast majority of the cases (94.3%) were suicide attempters by taking drugs. Family problems were the reasons for suicide attempts in 46.1% of the cases. Depression symptoms were determined in mothers of 65 of the patients. Ratio of the children with depression symptoms who also had mothers with depression symptoms was 83.1%. Depression symptoms were determined in 60% of the 141 patients and a positive correlation was observed between adolescents\' hopelessness/depression scale and their mothers\' hopelessness/depression scale scores (p=0,001, r= 0,362). Adolescent patients who had a family member diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder (70.8%) and adolescents with a previous psychiatric disorder diagnosis (86.8%) had more depression symptoms. Depression symptoms were determined in 81.8% of mothers of patients with previous suicide attempt history, 68% of mothers who were separated from their spouses, 73.7% of mothers of patients with previous psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusion: The suicide attempts among adolescents were increasing and the leading reasons for suicide attempts were family problems. Depression symptoms were important factors that influence adolescents\' suicide attempts.

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