Year: 1998 Source: Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 1998. p.91-124 SIEC No: 20020129

This chapter focusses on the two life-threatening emergencies most likely to be encountered by the pediatric clinician: the suicidal patient & the agitated patient. The epidemiology of suicide among American youth is reviewed. Risk factors – psychiatric, family history & environment, exposure to suicide, & medical illness – are described. The assessment & management of the suicidal adolescent is discussed, including issues of confidentiality & the use of no-suicide contracts. (104 refs.)