Several adolescents engaging in suicidal behavior represent a hidden population who do not receive professional help. Aim: to increase understanding of adolescents who were screened as being at high risk of suicide.

Sample: 1,409 pupils from 23 schools sited in Asturias (Spain) participants in the ‘Working in Europe to Stop Truancy among Youth’ Project (WESTAY) (48.55% males; mean age=15.16 years). Emergency cases: those with severe suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt (SA) in the past 2 weeks. 45 pupils identified as emergency cases (46.7% males; mean age=15.02 years).

Evaluation: Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Well Being Index (WHO-5), Paykel Suicide Scale (PSS).

3.2% (n=45) of the sample self-reported acute suicidality (22 attended the clinical interview, 5 were referred to mental health services). More girls than boys were identified as cases, attended the interview and were referred to services. Emergency cases scored significantly higher (p=0.000) in SDQ total scores, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity and peer relationship problems, however, no significant differences were found in the prosocial scale. Emergency cases also manifested significant (p=0.000) higher level of depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and lower well-being. Emergency cases were more likely to have a history of DSH (p=0.000). No significant differences were found between those who attended the interview or not.

There is a high rate of self-reported acute suicidality among adolescents; however, their suicide risk after a clinical assessment was considered as low.