Youth suicide

Abstract

Suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among youth in the United States. Despite the high rates of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts reported by high school students, death by suicide is relatively rare and difficult to predict. Risk and protective factors for suicidal thoughts and behavior have been identified across different domains (e.g., demographic, psychological, social/interpersonal), which have allowed researchers and clinicians to identify youth who may be at risk for suicide. Given the tragedy of suicide and its social and economic costs, a number of prevention and intervention strategies have been developed for implementation at the population level (e.g., means restriction, gatekeeper training) and with individuals (e.g., psychotherapy). Despite the growing number of such efforts, however, only a small number of intensive individually focused strategies have been associated with reductions in actual suicidal behavior. It is encouraged for individuals across disciplines (e.g., psychology, medicine, sociology, public health) and sectors (e.g., health, media, education) to work together and apply current and future research findings to communities at local and national levels in order to reduce the heavy toll that youth suicide currently imposes.