After Teen Suicide: Issues for Pediatricians Who Are Asked to Consult to Schools

Abstract

Every suicide is a unique tragedy. This article has attempted to provide a framework for understanding suicide as it impacts on the scmunity.ool community. Given this background, we have listed 10 frequent dilemmas faced by pediatricians (and others) who consult to schools. The central themes of the approach offered are to avoid inadvertently glorifying suicide, target high-risk groups for interventions, and consider suicide prevention as part of the broad, ongoing task of providing a caning environment for adolescents in which the collaboration of the school community is essential.

Adolescent suicide prevention: Current research and social policy implications.

“…Hodgman and Roberts (1982) surveyed pediatricians and found that only 21 % routinely inquired about suicidal symptoms among their incoming patients. Major medical journals have recently published exemplary articles informing physicians about the risk factors and interventions for adolescent suicide (Adler & Jellinek, 1990;Blumenthal, 1990). Adler and Jellinek's article offered specific guidance to pediatricians consulting to schools in the aftermath of a suicide.…”

Suicide Risk in High School Students in Slovenia

“…Suicidal behavior in adolescence has recently become the focus of considerable research attention. Suicide is one of the most frequent causes of death in this developmental period (Hendin, 1975; Runeson, 1989; Adler & Jellinek, 1990; Marttunen et al, 1991). Investigations of suicidal behavior indicate that self-destructive behavior in adolescence increases the risk of later suicide (Kienhorst et al, 1990a; Wagner, 1995).…”