Current statistics show a marked increase in suicides among adolescents 15 to 19 years of age. The literature suggests an increase in the use of lethal methods such as firearms by young suicide attempters. Studies show that most adolescent suicide completers have never received mental health treatment, although the majority had exhibited psychiatric symptoms previous to their deaths. This review of the literature identifies the characteristics and precipitants of suicidal behavior among adolescents. The literature clearly indicates a need for suicide awareness and prevention programs and for the early identification of teenagers at risk for suicidal behaviors. The most logical location for suicide prevention programs and activities is in the schools where the greatest number of adolescents can be reached. The master's-prepared psychiatric mental health nurse in a consultive and collaborative role can be instrumental in the successful formation and execution of these programs. In a joint effort, school personnel and the psychiatric mental health nurse specialist may be able to decrease significantly the number of suicidal behaviors among adolescents.
Summary This descriptive exploratory study estimates the prevalence of depression and anxiety in relocated adolescent females. The sample of 17 adolescent girls, aged 14‐16 years, was recruited from the public high school of a highly mobile suburb of Western Pennsylvania. Subjects had experienced a move within the past 3–18 months. Subjects were interviewed and the following instruments were administered: the Relocation Survey, the Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist, the Mooney Problem Checklist, the Ways of Coping Questionnaire, the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale, and the Life Event Record‐Senior High Version. Findings indicated that the initial reaction to the move by 76% of the girls was a feeling of sadness. The part of the move liked least was leaving friends. Eighteen per cent indicated that they lacked confidence in their own ability to adjust to the new school. Three of the 17 subjects (18%) were clinically depressed and 18% suffered moderate levels of anxiety. The most frequently used coping strategy was escape‐avoidance. Results of this study have implications for teachers, parents, school guidance counsellors, school nurses, and the masters‐prepared psychiatric mental health nurse consultant.
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