Suicide Prevention in Adolescents (Age 12–18)

Abstract

The epidemiology of adolescent suicide is summarized with particular emphasis on temporal trends by age and gender. “First‐generation” prevention programs, as reviewed and critiqued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are then examined. In the absence of compelling empirically based behavioral outcome data, selective targeted “second‐generation” prevention efforts are then described across the primary‐secondary‐tertiary continuum. These efforts are focused toward targets of individual predisposition, the social milieu, or proximal agents associated with high risk for suicidal behaviors. Finally, with an eye toward the future, current obstacles and unanswered questions are explored as they relate to opportunities and hopes for change in effecting reduced rates of these behaviors.