Psychotic experiences among teenagers spike the risk of suicide and self-harm a research by University of Queensland cautions.
Researchers found that youngsters who suffered from psychosis were 13 times more at risk of suicide and 11 times more likely to cause harm to themselves.
"Psychotic experiences and psychological distress should serve as warning signs that a young person is at high risk of self-harm or attempting suicide," UQ Center for Clinical Research's Associate Professor James Scott said in a press release.
Scott said that at least one in every 12 youngsters experience psychotic incidences, or odd or unusual beliefs such as paranoia or hallucinations. "These symptoms are much more common than was once thought."
The observation was made after assessing the mental health of 1,975 Australian adolescents aged between 12 and 17. Researchers examined them for 12 months whilst focussing on psychotic experiences and physiological distress such as depression and anxiety.
The study showed that youngsters who reported psychological distress had threefold chances of harming themselves and were five times more likely to attempt suicide compared to those who did not experience any stress. And, those who had psychotic experiences were 11 times more likely to self-harm and 13 times more likely to attempt suicide.
On an advisory note, Scott said that health practitioners should encourage the youngsters to talk about psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or feeling paranoid during their mental check-up. "This would ensure that the appropriate support, health resources and adequate risk-management plans are in place to reduce suicide attempts in this age group," Scott said.
