The suicidal process: age of onset and severity of suicidal behaviour

The concept of the suicidal process implies a progression from behaviour of relatively low intent to completed suicide. Evidence
from the literature has given rise to the speculation that the age of onset of an early form of the suicidal process may be
associated with the ultimate seriousness of suicidal behaviour. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that early
onset of the first stage of the suicidal process, a wish to die, is associated with increases in the ultimate position along
the suicidal process dimension.

Questions on the appearance and timing of suicidal process components (a death wish, ideation, plan, or attempt) were embedded
in a telephone survey on mental health and addictions in the workforce. Records of those that had experienced suicidal behaviour
were examined for the effects on the age of onset of the first death wish as a function of the level of severity of suicidal
behaviour, gender, and depression.

The findings showed that increases in suicidal intent were associated with lowered age of the first death wish. This pattern
held true for depressed and non-depressed persons alike.

The results support the notion that the early onset of a supposed precursor of suicidal behaviour, a death wish in this case,
adds to its ability to portend more serious problem levels in later stages of life. Furthermore, mood operates independently
in its association with the timing of such suicidal behaviour, suggesting that the effect of a relatively youthful appearance
of a wish to die cannot be explained by early onset depression.