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Abstract:
Abstract: Over the past decade, researchers have suggested a
link between early problems in development and later adolescent
suicide. However, many of these studies have been dismissed due to
poor research design, inappropriate statistical methods, and the
over-interpretation of results. The goal of the current study was
to examine the link between birth complications and later
adolescent suicide and to further specify the nature of these
complications. We examined the birth records of adolescent victims
who committed suicide between 1985 and 1995 in Allegheny County,
PA. The sample included 50 probands and 100 controls matched on
gender, race, date of birth and birth hospital. Results suggest an
increased risk of adolescent suicide for individuals with birth
complications, especially in cases of prenatal complications of the
mother and peri- and post-natal complications of the infant. The
most common were respiratory problems of the mother and/or infant
(e.g., respiratory distress, asphyxia or oxygen requirements).
These types of complications have been associated with higher risk
of brain insults in structures implicated in psychiatric disorders
(e.g., basal ganglia). The results are discussed in terms of a
potential link between birth complications and adolescent suicide,
mediated by a predisposition to psychiatric illness.
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