Asking About Suicide Doesn’t Increase Suicide Risk

Screening for suicidality is recommended for suicide prevention in teenagers, but does asking about suicide increase the risk for suicidal ideation? To find out, investigators surveyed 2342 adolescents (age, 13–19; 80% white; 58% male) in six suburban high schools in New York State about current stress, mood, depression, and substance use. Half of the cohort was randomized to receive a survey that also asked about suicide attempts and suicidal ideation; the other half received a survey without suicide questions. All students completed another survey 2 days later that inquired about current stress, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and depression.

Students who were asked about suicide in the first survey reported no more suicidal ideation …