Suicidality among Norwegian youth: Review of research on risk factors and interventions

Background and Aim: Published research on suicidality among Norwegian youth and publications describing interventions were summarized in order to access the current status of knowledge building via empirical research. Method: A systematic Medline search identified 29 studies on risk factors on the entire spectrum of suicidal phenomena from self-harm without suicidal ideation to completed suicide with the mean age at/under 25 years. A specialist Norwegian journal, Suicidologi, was searched for additional matter, especially interventions. Result: Most studies focussed on psychological and psychiatric risk factors of attempted suicide. Other suicidal phenomena, psychosocial and societal risk factors, and impact of interventions were hardly studied. Depression, previous suicidal behaviour, alcohol use and non-intact parental unit were consistent significant risk factors found in suicide and attempted suicide studies. Conclusion: Supporting non-intact parental units and the maintenance of intact parental units along with early detection and management of suicide attempts, depression and alcohol use should be targeted as suicide prevention interventions among adolescents.