All suicidal threats, gestures & attempts should be regarded seriously & viewed as a communication of long term difficulty in interpersonal & family relationships. Characteristic of children or adolescents prior to suicide include depression (sadness, lack of energy, loss of interest in school & life) & prodromal signs (increased tension, oversensitivity, alcoholism). Intervention begins when the patient presents her/himself to the pediatrician; assessment should be obtained in the interview.