Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Study Unveils Trends in Suicidal Behavior

Beth D. Kennard, PsyD

Credit: Children's Health

Suicidality among young individuals is a pressing public health concern, warranting immediate attention and research efforts. In a new study, investigators aimed to develop a comprehensive research registry focusing on youth with depression and/or suicidal tendencies within the state of Texas called the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN), established in 2020.

The investigation sheds light on the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of the first 1000 participants in the TX-YDSRN, with a specific emphasis on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Beth D. Kennard, PsyD, The Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and a team of investigators used the TX-YDSRN, encompassing individuals aged 8 - 20 years who are either undergoing treatment for depression or have screened positive for depression and/or suicidal ideation/behavior. Baseline data collected included participants' diagnosis, severity of depression and anxiety, history of suicidal ideation/behavior, experiences with trauma, and assessments of resilience.

Suicidality among young individuals is a pressing public health concern, warranting immediate attention and research efforts. In a new study investigators aimed to develop a comprehensive research registry focusing on youth with depression and/or suicidal tendencies within the state of Texas called the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN), established in 2020.

The investigation sheds light on the baseline clinical and demographic characteristics of the first 1000 participants in the TX-YDSRN, with a specific emphasis on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Beth D. Kennard, PsyD, and  team of investigators used the TX-YDSRN, encompassing individuals aged 8 - 20 years who are either undergoing treatment for depression or have screened positive for depression and/or suicidal ideation/behavior. Baseline data collected included participants' diagnosis, severity of depression and anxiety, history of suicidal ideation/behavior, experiences with trauma, and assessments of resilience.

The baseline data for the initial 1000 participants recruited into the TX-YDSRN show a significant majority (79.6%) were diagnosed with a primary depressive disorder.

The severity of depression, as measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A), was found to be at a moderate to severe level with a mean score of 12.9 ± 6.4. Similarly, anxiety levels were also relatively high, with a mean Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score of 11.3 ± 5.9.

Notably, almost half of the participants reported having at least one lifetime suicide attempt, indicating a concerning prevalence of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, a staggering 90% of the participants reported either lifetime or current suicidal ideation, underscoring the severity of the issue.

Comparing participants with past/current suicidality to those without such tendencies, the former group exhibited higher levels of illness severity in terms of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors. Additionally, these individuals demonstrated lower levels of resilience and higher rates of exposure to traumatic experiences.

Based on the data of the first 1000 participants, the study stated it is evident that the cohort of youth in Texas faces substantial challenges related to mental health, particularly in terms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality.

The findings indicated moderate to severe levels of depression and anxiety, coupled with alarming rates of lifetime suicide attempts and current suicidal ideation. Participants with a history of suicidality showed greater illness severity, reduced resilience, and higher rates of exposure to trauma, highlighting the need for comprehensive interventions, investigators stated.

These findings serve as a foundation for further investigations within the TX-YDSRN. Future research will delve into the trajectories of outcomes and identify predictors, moderators, and social determinants influencing these outcomes. Investigators reported the ultimate goal is to utilize these findings to develop targeted and effective strategies to address suicidality in youth and promote their mental well-being and resilience.

“There is an urgent need for prevention and intervention strategies for suicidal ideation and behavior in youth. These findings highlight important demographic and clinical correlates, which can inform future efforts for more targeted treatments,” the team wrote. “Additionally, it is important to develop strategies for reaching youth who may not have access to evidence-based interventions, even when youth are established in a system of clinical care.”

References:

1. Kennard, B. D., Hughes, J. L., Minhajuddin, A., Slater, H., Blader, J. C., Mayes, T. L., Kirk, C., Wakefield, S. M., & Trivedi, M. H. (2023). Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth seeking mental health treatment in Texas: Youth Depression and Suicide Network research registry. Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, 00, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1111/sltb.12980