Assessment and Prediction of Suicide Risk in Adolescents (IN: Treatment Approaches With Suicidal Adolescents, edited by J K Zimmerman & G M Asnis)

This chapter discusses: the importance of a developmental perspective when working with adolescents; prediction of suicide risk vs assessment; concepts of lethality & perturbation; & appropriate tests & signposts. It notes that adolescent patients do not fit easily into developed models. It recommends a comprehensive approach where each bit of information is examined in the context of the individual’s life. A case example demonstrates the complicated task faced by the clinician. (61 Refs.)