Suicidal Behaviour, Self-Harm and Related Factors

A Retrospective Study from the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit

Bibliographic Data

ID15713271
AuthorsSigita Lesinskienė (0000-0003-2922-8626, Vilnius University, corresponding author), Miglė Zabarauskaitė (Vilnius University), Tadas Valiulis (Vilnius University), Giedrius Dailidė (Vilnius University), Arūnas Germanavičius (0000-0002-1226-1449, Vilnius University)
Year2026
Volume13
Issue1
Pages147-147
Publication date2026-01-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueChildren (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2227-9067 • E-ISSN: 2227-9067
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/children13010147
PMID41597155
OpenAlexW7124850741
LanguageEN
References cited24

Background and objectives : Suicide attempts and self-harm are critical issues in adolescence, often leading to serious and irreversible consequences. These behaviours frequently co-occur and share common biopsychosocial risk factors. Identifying these factors enables a more comprehensive assessment of suicide and self-harm risk, helping specialists recognize high-risk individuals and implement effective preventive measures. This study aimed to examine the association between suicide attempts, self-harm and psychosocial factors among hospitalized adolescents. Materials and methods : A retrospective data analysis was performed using the database of the University Department of Children and Adolescents of the Republican Vilnius Psychiatric Hospital. The study covered patients' records from December 2022 to February 2025. Information on gender, age, suicide attempts, self-harm, adverse events (bullying, psychological abuse, physical violence within the family, and sexual abuse) and unhealthy habits (smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, and psychoactive substance use), was selected and analyzed in this study. A Chi-square test was used to assess the difference between groups. Results were considered statistically significant when p Results : The study included 599 hospitalized adolescents (26.9% boys; mean age 15.1 ± 1.4 years), of whom 70.8% reported at least one episode of self-harm and 37.8% at least one suicide attempt. Rates of self-harm and suicide attempts were significantly higher in girls than in boys (self-harm: 81.3% vs. 42.2%, φ=0.381, p Conclusions : Exposure to adverse childhood experiences and engagement in unhealthy habits were associated with higher rates of both self-harm and suicide attempts. A comprehensive assessment and early detection of self-harm behaviours and adverse psychosocial circumstances are crucial elements of effective suicide prevention strategies and prompt intervention among high-risk adolescents

Biopsychosocial model · Injury prevention · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Psychosocial · Retrospective cohort study · Suicide prevention · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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