Interventions for Suicidal Youth: a Review of the Literature and Developmental Considerations

The degree to which interventions for suicidal behaviours have been developmentally tailored has varied widely. Published controlled studies of psychosocial treatment interventions for reducing adolescent suicidal behaviour are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the developmental nuances of these interventions. In addition, developmental considerations important in the treatment of suicidal adolescents are discussed. There are insufficient data to recommend one intervention over another but interventions that are sensitive to multiple developmental contexts have potential for greater effectiveness in reducing adolescent suicidal behaviour. (62 refs.)