School-based prevention programs, especially depression and suicidal behavior screenings, performed on highschool pupils, proved their validity and efficiency in identifying high suicidal risk individuals.

This research aimed to perform an evaluation of adolescent mental health and of the risk factors for the psychiatric pathology that generates suicidal behavior.

The study sample was collected by randomizing 16 highschools in Cluj and Maramureş counties. 1470 pupils were contacted. Informed consents were signed for 1143 pupils. These pupils were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 12 months after baseline.

The initial evaluation identified 151 pupils showing high risk for mental health problems, out of the 1143 pupils included. Also, the initial evaluation identified 50 pupils (4,37% of the study group) showing high suicidal risk. The second evaluation (3 months from baseline) identified 42 pupils showing high suicidal risk, out of a total of 990 pupils re-evaluated. The third evaluation (12 months from baseline) identified 27 pupils showing high suicidal risk, out of 991 pupils re-evaluated. More maladaptive behaviors were identified in pupils with suicidal risk.

Our results confirm the hypothesis of the interdependence of suicidal risk and maladaptive behaviors. There is no evidence supporting the hypothesis that suicide screening might lead individuals to suicidal behavior.