Clinical Perspectives on Treatment of Suicidal Behavior Among Children and Adolescents

Focuses on when to hospitalize a suicidal child or adolescent, intervention planning & specific treatments, as illustrated by the case study of a 9 yr old female. Working with such patients requires that therapists have certain qualitites, including availability, skill & training, honesty, consistency, objectivity & optimism & energy. 3 types of intervention are discussed, 1) psychotherapeutic-cognitive approach, 2) an environmental-stabilizing approach & 3) psychopharmacotherapy. (20 refs.)