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Family Environment and Suicidal Ideation Among Bipolar Youth |
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| Authors: | Tina R. Goldstein Boris Birmaher David Axelson Benjamin I. Goldstein Mary Kay Gill Christianne Esposito-Smythers |
| Affiliation: | 1. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA goldsteintr@upmc.edu;3. Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;4. Department of Psychiatry and Butler Hospital , Brown University School of Medicine , Providence, Rhode Island, USA |
| Abstract: | The objective of this study was to examine the association between family environment and suicidal ideation among youth with bipolar disorder. Subjects included 446 bipolar (BP) youth (age 7–17) enrolled in the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth study. Current suicidal ideation, family functioning and family stress were assessed at intake. BP youth with current suicidal ideation reported more conflict with their mother and less family adaptability. Ideators endorsed more stressful family events over the prior year and higher rates of specific familial stressors. Clinicians treating bipolar youth should consider family stress when conducting suicide risk assessment. Treatment goals may include enhancing family communication and addressing issues of loss. |
| Keywords: | family environment pediatric bipolar disorder suicidal ideation youth |