Characteristics of suicidal adolescents and young adults presenting to primary care with non-suicidal (indeed non-psychological) complaints.

BACKGROUND Some young people presenting to primary care experience suicidal symptoms that they do not report. METHOD We conducted a survey of suicidal ideation among 15-24-year-old patients presenting to Australian general practitioners. RESULTS Patients who experienced substantial, but unstated, suicidal symptoms tended to be female and somewhat younger; their depression and distress levels, while not as high as suicidal patients with psychological complaints, were nonetheless elevated. CONCLUSIONS Young patients who evince any signs of depression or distress, particularly but not only young females, should be evaluated regarding psychological symptoms, including suicidal ideation.