San Diego Suicide Study

Authors:
  • RFRichard C. Fowler
    Richard C. Fowler
  • CRCharles L. Rich
    Charles L. Rich
  • DYDeborah Young
    Deborah Young
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Abstract
• Fifty-three percent of 133 consecutive young suicides had a principal psychiatric diagnosis of substance abuse. Twentyfour percent had an additional principal diagnosis of atypical depression, atypical psychosis, or adjustment disorder with depression. The relationship of the substance abuse to the additional diagnosis was usually obscure, though this subgroup was similar to the group with only substance abuse on a number of factors. Typically, substance abuse was a chronic condition present for nine years. Multiple substance abuse was the norm in these cases, and marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine were the most frequently abused substances. Substance abusers without other principal diagnoses received psychiatric care less frequently than those with additional principal diagnoses.

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