Objective: In this study we aimed to compare adverse life events in adolescent suicide attempters and age matched healthy controls.

Materials and Methods: For this study, 36 adolescent patients between the ages of 12 and 18 who refer or are referred to Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic because of suicide attempt between June 2009 and May 2010 were included. 34 healthy subjects were selected as a healthy control group matched with the patients in terms of age and sex. Adverse life events in the participants were evaluated with a detailed list.

Results: The total number of adverse life events was found more in in adolescent suicide attempters than controls (p<0.001). The adverse life events with statistically significant difference between two groups were, “seperation from girl friend or boy friend” (fisher p=0.001), “negative change in financial state of family” (fisher p=0.013), “school nonattendance” (p=0.019), “school failure/grade repetition” (fisher p=0.028), “change of school” (fisher p=0.003), “family history of psychiatric or emotional problem” (p=0.036) and “more argument of parents than older” (fisher p=0.046).

Conclusion: Adverse life events were predicted as a risk factor in adolescent suicide attempters. We believe peer and family relationships including school environment sould be considered in a supportive way in both treatment and diagnostic approach as well.