Citation

Spirito A, Lewander W. Clin. Pediatr. Emerg. Med. 2004; 5(3): 154-163.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.cpem.2004.05.004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) are often the adolescent suicide attempter's first point of contact with the medical system. After reviewing the characteristics of adolescent suicide attempters treated in EDs, a procedure for the evaluation of a variety of suicide-specific factors when planning the disposition of adolescents who attempt suicide is discussed. Current suicidal ideation, intent, history of suicidal behavior, reasons for the attempt, common stressful events that might trigger another suicidal act in a vulnerable adolescent, as well as reasons for future hope are assessed. Because it is difficult to predict adolescents at risk for repeat attempts, emphasis is placed on hospitalizing high risk patients and enhancing the probability that those appropriate for discharge receive psychiatric aftercare in the community. © 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; suicide; family; psychotherapy; suicide attempt; suicidal behavior; risk assessment; disease severity; prediction; risk factor; parent; community; review; mental health care; mental health service; emergency health service; patient attitude; fatality; patient compliance; hospital discharge; health care planning; high risk patient