Citation

Steele MM, Doey T. Can. J. Psychiatry 2007; 52(6): 35S-45S.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17824351

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the treatment of suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents. METHOD: After discussing the principles of treatment, we review the literature regarding adequate assessment, hospital-based services and their alternatives, and follow-up. RESULTS: Treatment modalities (including psychotherapy) and preventive strategies (including school-based interventions, gatekeeper and primary practitioner training, and treatment of psychiatric disorders) are considered in the light of existing evidence. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of youth at risk for suicide should include attention to well-established risk factors, but prediction of risk remains difficult. Treatment of suicidal children and adolescents should be evidence-based and may include psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Effective methods of prevention are emerging, but more research is needed.

Language: en