Screen teens for suicide risk, AAP advises
FROM PEDIATRICS
Learn about the benefits and risks of antidepressant medications, and how to monitor depressed patients. Educate the family regarding the following warning signs that warrant contacting you: new or more frequent thoughts of wanting to die; self-destructive behavior; signs of increased anxiety/panic, agitation, aggressiveness, impulsivity, insomnia or irritability; new or more involuntary restlessness (akathisia), such as pacing or fidgeting; extreme degree of elation or energy; fast, driven speech; or new onset of unrealistic plans or goals.
Risk factors for suicide
Fixed risk factors
• Family history of suicide or suicide attempts.
• History of adoption.
• Male gender.
• Parental mental health problems.
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning sexual orientation.
• Transgender identification.
• A history of physical or sexual abuse.
• Previous suicide attempt.
Social/environmental risk factors
• Bullying.
• Impaired parent-child relationship.
• Living outside of the home (homeless or in a corrections facility or group home).
• Difficulties in school.
• Neither working nor attending school.
• Social isolation.
• Presence of stressful life events, such as legal or romantic difficulties or an argument with a parent.
• An unsupported social environment for LGBTQ adolescents.
Personal mental health problems
• Sleep disturbances.
• Depression.
• Bipolar disorder.
• Substance intoxication and substance use disorders.
• Psychosis.
• Posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Panic attacks.
• A history of aggression.
• Impulsivity.
• Severe anger.
• Pathologic Internet use.
Source: Pediatrics. 2016 June 27 doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-1420.
