Suicidal status, depression, and intellectual functioning in preadolescent psychiatric inpatients

Abstract One hundred six preadolescent psychiatric inpatients were studied. Suicidal behavior occurred in children with most psychiatric diagnoses but was significantly associated only with a major depressive disorder (MDD). All children with MDD exhibited suicidal behavior. A borderline personality disorder (BPD) was the only other DSM-III Axis I or II diagnosis with which MDD was significantly associated. The co-occurrence of BPD and MDD was not related to more serious suicidal behavior. Intelligence test scores were not related to suicidal status or severity of depression. The implications of developmental level for these findings were discussed.