A Health Care Professional's Response to a Suicidal Teen
- Directly ask about suicidal thoughts, actions, and plans. Try to determine whether the teen has the means to carry out a suicide plan (e.g., whether he has access to weapons or lethal medications). Adolescents with a well-thought-out plan that includes method, place, time, and clear intent are at high risk.
- Immediate mental health evaluation is necessary for any child or adolescent who has a plan or who is at risk for suicide and also describes suicidal thoughts. Options for immediate evaluation include hospitalization, transfer to an emergency department, or an appointment the same day with a mental health professional.
- Although confidentiality is important in adolescent health care, for adolescents at risk to themselves or others, confidentiality must be breached. Health care providers need to inform the appropriate persons when they believe an adolescent is at risk of suicide. Parents should be explicitly told to remove weapons and lethal medication.
For more information, see:
Suicide and Suicide Attempts in Adolescents. Policy Statement (2000) - American Academy of Pediatrics
Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with suicidal behavior. (2000) - American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Mood Disorders: Depressive and Bipolar Disorders - Bright Futures in Practice: Mental Health (2002) - Maternal and Child Health Bureau, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Provides suggestions for assessment and intervention by primary care health professionals, as well as guidelines for referral.