Adolescence offers a developmental window when early effective intervention may prevent potentially deadly patterns from becoming established. Although rare in childhood, rates of suicide deaths in the United States more than double from adolescence to young adulthood and, unlike other causes of mortality for adolescents (eg, motor vehicle accidents), suicide rates are increasing.

The first onset of suicidal behavior often occurs during adolescence, and the rate of suicide attempts (SAs) and self harm more generally (including nonsuicidal self injury [NSSI], self harm with ambiguous intent, and SAs) also increases. For those of us who work with adolescents and/or their parents, the hope is that early recognition and intervention can prevent suicidal behavior and premature deaths.

Child and Adolescent Suicide and Self Harm: Treatment and Prevention

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 10 leading causes of death by age group, United States – 2016. 

https://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/pdf/leading_causes_of_death_by_age_group_2016-508.pdf

Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Quizzes

Suicide

Where does suicide rank as cause of death among young people? Find the answer and a discussion in this quiz.

Mini Quiz: Suicide in Children and Adolescents