Causes of Teenage Suicide and the Effectiveness of Prevention Programs (Essay Sample)

Causes of Teenage Suicide and the Effectiveness of Prevention Programs
Name
Institutional Affiliation
Causes of Teenage Suicide and the Effectiveness of Prevention Programs
Suicide is a significant community health issue with a high burden on society. Suicide not only has lasting psychological trauma but also adds up to the overall loss of economic prowess (Pandy et al.,2019). According to Ruch et al. (2019), suicide is the second most significant killer among teenager in the united states. The high number of these incidents is attributed to the psychological, biological and environmental risk factors that correlate with suicide ideation and attempts. Therefore, through this article, the ecological, psychological and natural causes of teenage suicide and the effectiveness of prevention programs shall be highlighted and discussed.
* Biological factors
Defects in molecular processes contribute to suicide ideation and attempt. Teenagers born with defects in specific biological factors are likely to have suicidal ideation. Changes in genes and other biomolecules influence the internal metabolic processes, which lead to increased risk of suicide in teenagers. According to Cha et al. (2017), alterations and defects in the functioning of hormones such as serotonin influences suicidal behaviour. Cha et al. (2017) postulate that there is a direct link between low serotonin levels and suicide ideation among teenagers. Pandey et al.’s (2012) study identified that interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were increased in teenagers who had committed suicide. In light of Pandey et al.’s (2012) study, the increased levels of the interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha proinflammatory markers contributed to suicidal ideation and the eventual demise of the teenagers. Thus, an imbalance in the internal physiology influences teenage behaviour leading them to suicide.