Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents 15 to 19 years abstract
old. This report updates the previous statement of the American Academy
of Pediatrics and is intended to assist pediatricians, in collaboration with
other child and adolescent health care professionals, in the identifi cation
and management of the adolescent at risk for suicide. Suicide risk can
only be reduced, not eliminated, and risk factors provide no more than
guidance. Nonetheless, care for suicidal adolescents may be improved
with the pediatrician’s knowledge, skill, and comfort with the topic, as well
as ready access to appropriate community resources and mental health
professionals.
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