Preadolescent Suicide: How to Ask and how to Respond

Abstract

Studies of preadolescents strongly suggest that the prevalence of depression and suicidal activity among them has been seriously underestimated. The authors review current thinking about preadolescent suicide; discuss its implications for clinicians, supervisors, and agency administrators; and recommend a research agenda to guide and support effective practice with preadolescents at risk for suicide.

Identifying profiles of psychological characteristics of juvenile offenders and adolescent psychiatric inpatients

“…Since research suggests that hopelessness levels are high in both the mental health and juvenile justice adolescent populations (Abram, Choe, et al, 2004;Becker & Grilo, 2007;Duke et al, 2011;Frey & Epkins, 2002;Jackson et al, 1995;Milnes et al, 2002;Shelton, 2004), it was hypothesized that a measure of hopelessness would not be sufficient to distinguish between important differences that characterize the two groups. While it was anticipated that hopelessness levels would be high in both groups, research literature also suggests that hopelessness is manifested differently within these two groups.…”

“…High rates of psychopathology, adult incarceration, and family and environmental risk factors are not the only negative variables associated with the JDP and Mental Health Services Population (MHSP). Unfortunately, both of these populations also show high rates of suicide and suicidal behavior (Abram, Choe, et al, 2008;Jackson et al, 1995;Sanislow, Grilo, Fehon, Axelrod, & McGlashan, 2003). Abram, Paskar, et al (2008) note that individuals in the JDP have such characteristics commonly associated with increased risk for suicide as high rates of trauma and psychiatric disorders.…”

“…Elevated Hopelessness Levels in the JDP and MHSP. Many studies have shown that hopelessness levels are high within the two high-risk populations of the JDP and the MHSP (Abram, Choe, et al, 2004;Becker & Grilo, 2007;Duke et al, 2011;Frey & Epkins, 2002;Jackson et al, 1995;Milnes et al, 2002;Shelton, 2004). It is likely, however, that hopelessness is expressed differently among the JDP than it is among the MHSP.…”