Suicidal behavior and associated factors in sexually abused adolescents

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study is to determine the rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in sexually abused adolescents and to determine the factors associated with suicidal behavior.Method106 adolescents between the ages of 12–18 (94 girls, 12 boys) who were exposed to sexual abuse and referred for the preparation of forensic reports were included in the study. The investigators retrospectively examined the case files, forensic reports and social worker reports.ResultsIt has been found that in cases exposed to sexual abuse, suicidal ideation developed in 63.2% (n = 67) of the individuals and 24.5% (n = 26) of them attempted suicide. The rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts was higher in cases who live separately from one or both parents, those who have ASD or PTSD after sexual abuse, cases in which abuse involved penetration, cases who were abused by someone known or someone from the family, cases where sexual abuse was accompanied by coercion and physical violence, and those who were exposed to abuse continuously. Among girls, in cases who have suicide history before sexual abuse and those who were abused by more than one abuser, the rate of suicidal ideation was higher.ConclusionIt has been shown in many studies that sexual abuse in childhood increases the risk of suicidal behavior. Consideration of the factors associated with suicidal behavior in victims of sexual abuse will be helpful to clinicians in preventing suicide attempts.

► We aimed to investigate suicidal behavior in sexually abused adolescents.
► The rate of suicidal ideation was 63.2% and suicide attempt was 24.5% after abuse.
► The rate of suicidal behavior was higher in cases who have ASD or PTSD after abuse.
► Clinicians need to exert extra caution during psychiatric evaluation.