CLINICAL REPORT |
Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for adolescents 15 to 19 years old. Pediatricians can take steps to help reduce the incidence of adolescent suicide by screening for depression and suicidal ideation and behavior. This report updates the previous statement of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is intended to assist the pediatrician in the identification and management of the adolescent at risk of suicide. The extent to which pediatricians provide appropriate care for suicidal adolescents depends on their knowledge, skill, comfort with the topic, and ready access to appropriate community resources. All teenagers with suicidal thoughts or behaviors should know that their pleas for assistance are heard and that pediatricians are willing to serve as advocates to help resolve the crisis.
Key Words: suicide risk factors prevention treatment adolescence
Abbreviations: FDA—Food and Drug Administration
The following policy statement has been revised:
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S. P. Kutcher MD and M. Szumilas HBSc Youth suicide prevention Can. Med. Assoc. J., January 29, 2008; 178(3): 282 - 285. [Full Text] [PDF] |
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S. St. Clair Suicide notes: Pediatricians can save lives using screening and intervention techniques outlined in a new AAP report AAP News, September 1, 2007; 28(9): 37 - 38. [Full Text] [PDF] |
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