Are teens who attempt suicide more or less likely to try again

1. Summary of the results

The analyses provided suggest that teens who attempt suicide are more likely to try again ^[1]. According to one study, 46% of the sample reported a history of multiple suicide attempts, and each of the five distinct profiles of suicide risk among adolescents was associated with an increased likelihood of a suicide attempt within six months of the ED visit ^[1]. Another analysis found that among adolescents with suicidal thoughts, certain factors such as non-suicidal self-harm, cannabis use, and exposure to self-harm were strong predictors of transition to attempts ^[2]. A meta-analysis also found that one in five people may engage in a suicide attempt after a previous one, and the risk of attempt repetition steadily increases over time ^[3]. Preventive interventions, particularly psychotherapy programs, can significantly reduce the risk of suicide attempt repetition ^[3]. Key factors that increase the likelihood of repeated attempts include:

• Non-suicidal self-harm ^[2]
• Cannabis use ^[2]
• Other illicit drug use ^[2]
• Exposure to self-harm ^[2]
• Sleep problems ^[2]
• Lower levels of the personality type extraversion ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

While the analyses provide valuable insights into the likelihood of repeated suicide attempts among teens, there is limited information on the role of mental health services and support systems in preventing repeated attempts ^[1]. Additionally, the analyses do not fully explore the impact of socioeconomic factors, family dynamics, and social media on suicide risk ^[2]. Alternative viewpoints may include the perspective that suicide attempt repetition is not solely the result of individual factors, but also of broader societal and environmental factors ^[3]. Furthermore, the effectiveness of preventive interventions may vary depending on the individual's specific circumstances and needs ^[3]. Some key questions that remain unanswered include:

• How do mental health services and support systems impact the likelihood of repeated attempts?
• What role do socioeconomic factors, family dynamics, and social media play in shaping suicide risk?
• How can preventive interventions be tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual?

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be oversimplified, as it does not account for the complexity of factors that contribute to repeated suicide attempts ^[1]. The statement may also perpetuate a negative narrative, implying that teens who attempt suicide are doomed to repeat the behavior ^[2]. However, the analyses suggest that preventive interventions can be effective in reducing the risk of attempt repetition ^[3]. Those who may benefit from this framing include mental health professionals and organizations that provide preventive interventions, as it highlights the importance of their work in reducing the risk of repeated attempts ^[3]. On the other hand, individuals who have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts may be negatively impacted by the oversimplification and negative narrative ^[1].