The authors identify what they believe are several myths regarding suicide in general & youth suicide in particular, including: the myth that suicide attempters & completers are similar; the myth that current prevention programs work; the myth that teens have the highest suicide rate; the myth that suicide is caused by family & social stress; the myth that suicide is not inherited genetically; & the myth that teen suicide represents treatment failure. The authors also offer recommendations for future suicide prevention programs. (59 refs)