Brief report: Classification of adolescent suicide and risk-taking deaths

This study examined the suicide and risk-taking deaths of adolescents aged 12-17 years between January 1996 and December 2000. The methodology consisted of a case file review of government records. One hundred and eighty-seven adolescents (133 males, 54 females) died by suicide and risk-taking and could be classified into three distinct groups: deaths resulting from (1) enduring difficulties (124), (2) pivotal life events (26), and (3) adolescent experimentation (28). Avenues for the prevention of further suicide and risk-taking deaths are discussed.