Suicidal Behaviour Among Adolescents: its Nature and Prevention (IN: Breaking out: Challenges in Adolescent Mental Health in Australia, ed. by R Kosky, H S Eshkevari and G Kneebone)

This chapter examines the extent of suicide & attempted suicide in Australia, & the profile of suicidal adolescents. It examines the causes of suicidal behaviour & factors that may underlie the rise in youth suicide in recent times. The problems associated with the prediction of suicide are discussed as well as the nature of current mental health services & obstacles that may inhibit a depressed or suicidal adolescent from gaining necessary care & treatment. Ideas are outlined concerning primary, secondary & tertiary prevention of suicidal behaviour & future research directions. (LC)