Identifying Children and Adolescents at Risk of Suicide
Identifying Children and Adolescents at Risk of Suicide
| Type | Specific Factors |
| Risk factors for suicide | |
| Disorders that affect the brain | Depression Depression and Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Children and Adolescents Depression includes a feeling of sadness (or, in children and adolescents, irritability), and/or loss of interest in activities. In major depression, these symptoms last 2 weeks or more and... read more Schizophrenia Schizophrenia in Children and Adolescents Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder involving abnormal thoughts, perceptions, and social behavior and causing considerable problems with relationships and functioning. It lasts 6 months or more... read more Alcohol or substance abuse in adolescents Substance Use and Abuse in Adolescents Substance use among adolescents ranges from experimentation to severe substance use disorders. All substance use, even experimental use, puts adolescents at risk of short-term problems, such... read more Conduct disorder Conduct Disorder A conduct disorder involves a repetitive pattern of behavior that violates the basic rights of others. Children with a conduct disorder are selfish and insensitive to the feelings of others... read more Head injury Overview of Head Injuries Head injuries that involve the brain are particularly concerning. Common causes of head injuries include falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and mishaps during sports and recreational activities... read more Posttraumatic stress disorder Acute and Posttraumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents Acute and posttraumatic stress disorders are reactions to overwhelming traumatic events that involve recurring, intrusive memories of the event as well as emotional numbness and increased tension... read more |
| Family history | A family history of suicidal behavior A mother with a mood disorder A father with a history of trouble with the police Lack of communication with parents Increased rates of suicide in adults Parents' use of opioids |
| Triggering events | Difficulties in school, including being disciplined or suspended Loss of a loved one (such as a boyfriend or girlfriend), especially by suicide Separation from parents Lack of social contacts, sometimes due to having no job or not going to college Victim of bullying Reports of suicide in the media, which may lead to a copycat suicide |
| Circumstances | Access to firearms or prescription drugs A previous attempt at suicide Barriers encountered when trying to access mental health services and/or a feeling that a stigma is attached to seeking such help |
| Sexual/gender minority status | — |
| Medications | Isotretinoin Montelukast Gabapentin Prednisone Benzodiazepines |
| Warning signs of suicide | |
| Mental and physical symptoms | Preoccupation with morbid themes Depression A feeling of hopelessness Low self-esteem Dramatic changes in mood Changes in appetite Sleep disturbances Tension, anxiety, or nervousness Poor control of impulses |
| Changes in behavior | Poor hygiene and neglect of personal appearance (especially if it is an abrupt change) Withdrawal from social interactions Playing hooky from school A decline in grades An increase in violent behavior Giving away favorite possessions |
| Conversation | Statements about feeling guilty Statements suggesting a wish to be dead, such as “I wish I’d never been born” or “I’d like to go to sleep and never wake up” Direct or indirect threats to commit suicide |