Psychodynamic Treatment of Adolescent Suicide Attempters (IN: Treatment Approaches With Suicidal Adolescents, edited by J K Zimmerman & G M Asnis)

This chapter briefly reviews psychodynamic theoretical perspectives & relevant research themes. It discusses psychodynamic clinical interventions with suicidal teenagers & notes the importance of the interactive & ongoing interplay between assessment & treatment. Pitfalls are discussed. Beyond crisis management, a psychodynamic approach holds the promise of treating (& resolving) the underlying causes of suicidality within the young person & can be used with other treatment strategies.(41 Refs.)