B3995 - To investigate the aetiology of and trajectories to suicidal ideation and behaviour in adolescents and young adults - 21/02/2022

B number: 
B3995
Principal applicant name: 
Mary Clarke | Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Ireland)
Co-applicants: 
David McEvoy
Title of project: 
To investigate the aetiology of, and trajectories to, suicidal ideation and behaviour in adolescents and young adults
Proposal summary: 

The aim of this project is to study self-harm and suicide attempts and ideation in adolescents and young adults (AYAs). We will use ALSPAC data to classify the cohort into different psychopathology groups (i.e. groups displaying similar psychiatric condtions like anxiety, depression etc.) and then to see which groups are at most risk of later self-harm or suicide. Furthermore, we will study how people transition between these different latent or hidden groups over time. Ultimately, we wish to examine the aetiology of, and then the trajectories to, self-harm and suicide in AYAs and get a clear picture as to the risk factors and life circumstances for those in the AYA group who later end up exhibiting this sort of behaviour. If this analysis is successful, we then hope to create a risk prediction model for self-harm and/or suicidal ideation and behaviour in AYAs so that implementation efforts can be put in place to prevent future self-harm and suicidal behaviour in AYAs.

Impact of research: 
I am hoping that this modelling work will give clinicians, researchers and anyone who works with young people a better understanding of the aetiology of self-harm and suicidal ideation and behaviour in young people. Furthermore, if we can understand the various trajectories to self-harm and the various exposures that are associated with self-harm, then interventions may be able to be put in place in clinics, schools and communities to reduce this behaviour in the future.
Date proposal received: 
Tuesday, 8 February, 2022
Date proposal approved: 
Monday, 21 February, 2022
Keywords: 
Mental health - Psychology, Psychiatry, Cognition, Mental health, Statistical methods, Statistical methods