Suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents. Part 2: treatment and prevention.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review the treatment of suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents.


METHODS
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.
Steele
Margaret M
MM
Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London.
Doey
Tamison
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002648:Child; D004358:Drug Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012572:School Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data