Suicidal Attempts in Childhood and Adolescence (IN: Modern Perspectives in Child Psychology, ed. by J C Howells)

This chapter is a review of the field of suicidal threats & attempts in children & adolescents. Particular attention is paid to diagnosis, precipitating factors, & treatment. Findings include: 1) every case should be taken seriously, 2) long & difficult treatment of the child & family will be needed, 3) the incidence is likely much higher than thought, 4) depression is related to suicide, 5) a child psychiatric unit is an advantage, & 6) more research & follow-up study is needed. (CM)