Transcultural Research of Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents From Far East of Russia and Northern China

Introduction According to current epidemiological data the peak of suicides because of depressions is in the age group of 15 to 25 years old. Objectives To identify the clinical particular qualities of depressions, in adolescents living in culturally different countries such as Russia and China. To identify the factors that shape depression and suicidal behavior in adolescents for further development of optimal methods of prevention. Material and Methods We have examined 38 Chinese students, who are studying at Harbin Medical University and the same group, who are studying at Far Eastern State Medical University. Their mean age was 19,5 ± 1,7 years. Our research was conducted by the Russian-Chinese agreement on scientific and technical cooperation. We used psychological and psychopathological research methods. Results The Russian group 14% had a tendency to suicidal behavior, 6% of them thought about the possibility of suicide. The main cause of suicidal behavior in adolescents is interpersonal factor (break with a partner, family conflicts), then social and economic factors (alcoholism, drug addiction, conflicts related to education and career, anxiety disorders and depression). In the Chinese group 25% had a tendency to suicidal behavior, 14% thought about the possibility of suicide. First factor shaping suicidal behavior is social and then economic factor (difficulty entering at university and employment, low social security), followed by interpersonal factor (break with a partner), psychopathological family history, depression, high anxiety, alcoholism, drug use, loneliness. Conclusion Students of both nationalities need active psychotherapeutic assistance.