Psychological Autopsies of Youth Suicides (IN: Report of the Secretary’s Task Force on Youth Suicide. Volume 3: Prevention and Interventions in Youth Suicide)

The author reviewed reports of psychological autopsies of suicides among youth in order to clarify the possible role of prevention &/or treatment activities in these cases. He found that over half of the deceased has recent contact with a mental health system. Both families & therapists tended to ignore & deny clues to suicide. He recommends continuity of cate & a team approach to get adolescents into therapy & to keep them there. Other features e.g. drug abuse are also noted. (CM)