Suicide Attempts in the pediatric population: Comprehensive Approach in the Emergency Department.

Abstract

Suicide is a public health concern worldwide and in Mexico. It is among the top five causes of mortality among the pediatric and young adult population. This article aims to inform the health professional of updated information on the comprehensive approach to the pediatric patient admitted to the emergency department due to a suicide attempt. First, we describe relevant data on the epidemiology of suicidal behavior in children and adolescents and the main clinical presentations in which a suicide attempt should be suspected. Next, we address the risk factors and possible triggers for suicidal behavior in children and some resources to help us identify and assess children with suicidal behavior. Finally, we discuss the comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach in the emergency department. With this review, we can conclude that suicide attempt is a problem that affects children and adolescents and has increased in recent years. Health personnel must be prepared to suspect and timely detect children and adolescents with suicide attempts. Also, identify and recognize possible clinical presentations, risk factors, and possible triggering factors, and have tools that allow for a risk assessment. Being multifactorial, this issue requires multidisciplinary, stigma-free, patient-centered, and trauma-informed care. And any intervention must be accompanied by a safety and follow-up plan at the time of discharge.