Family dysfunction is an important factor associated with increased likelihood that an adolescent will attempt suicide compared with only having suicidal thoughts, an Australian study shows.

University of WA researchers have examined the affective, behavioural and interpersonal factors associated with the transition from suicidal thoughts to attempted suicide, to inform preventive strategies.

They’ve found that poor family functioning is associated with a sixfold increased risk of attempted suicide.

Meanwhile, conduct disorders, such as aggressiveness, violence or theft, doubled the risk — although this became non-significant when substance use was factored in.