Interventions for suicidal youth: a review of the literature and developmental considerations

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2009 Jun;39(3):252-68. doi: 10.1521/suli.2009.39.3.252.

Abstract

Suicidal behavior is developmentally mediated, but the degree to which interventions for suicidal behaviors have been developmentally tailored has varied widely. Published controlled studies of psychosocial treatment interventions for reducing adolescent suicidal behavior are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on the developmental nuances of these interventions. In addition, developmental considerations important in the treatment of suicidal adolescents are discussed. There are insufficient data available from controlled trials to recommend one intervention over another for the treatment of suicidal youth, but interventions that are sensitive to the multiple developmental contexts have potential for greater effectiveness in reducing adolescent suicidal behavior.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Secondary Prevention
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / prevention & control
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Suicide, Attempted / prevention & control*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome