Risk assessment and initial management of suicidal adolescents

BACKGROUND: Adolescents at risk of suicide present a particularly difficult management challenge for all clinicians involved in their care. Adolescents have more suicidal thoughts and behaviours than adults. Management of adolescents at risk of suicide has specific challenges, which are different from those for suicidal adults. OBJECTIVE: To provide a review of the relevant clinical factors in the assessment of a suicidal adolescent. To provide the general practitioner with practical advice for the assessment of a suicidal adolescent, based on the international literature. DISCUSSION: This article summarises the demographic, clinical, family and environmental and psychological factors associated with adolescent suicide risk. Steps towards the management of suicidal adolescents are presented and include risk assessment and safety planning.