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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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Adolescent Suicide:
What are the Warning Signs?
The ability to predict a teenager who might attempt a suicide is poor.
However, in approximately 80% of cases, young people who complete suicide
have communicated suicidal thoughts and feelings and their intent to kill
themselves to someone prior to the suicidal act.
Although it is not possible to prevent every suicide, it is possible
to recognize changes in behavior and the existence of common crises that
may precipitate suicidal behavior. Those who are likely to come into contact
with young people can help. Knowledge of the warning signs and risk factors
may help people to intervene in the potentially destructive process in which
a young person is enveloped and take action to alleviate it.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
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Marked decline in school performance and levels achieved .
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Skipping classes and opting out of school activities generally.
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Poor concentration, sleepiness, inattentiveness
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Unusually disruptive or rebellious behavior.
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Death or suicide themes dominate written, artistic or creative work.
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Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.
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Inability to tolerate praise or rewards.
INTERPERSONAL BEHAVIOR
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Giving away prized possessions.
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Sudden changes in relationships, for example, exhibiting disruptive
behavior.
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Withdrawing from friends and social involvements.
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Not wanting to be touched by others.
OTHER BEHAVIORAL SIGNS
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Apathy about dress and appearance.
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Sudden change in weight.
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Running away from home.
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Risk-taking and careless behavior
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'Accident proneness'.
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Sudden and striking personality changes and changes in mood.
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Overt signs of mental illness (for example, hallucinations).
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Loss of sense of humor or sudden compulsive joking.
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Sleeping pattern changes.
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Self-mutilation behaviors.
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Noticeable increase in compulsive behavior.
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Development of extreme dependency.
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Sudden happiness after a prolonged period of depression.
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Impulsive tendencies.
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Depressive tendencies.
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Unrealistic expectations held of self
VERBAL EXPRESSION OF SUICIDAL INTENT OR DEPRESSION
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Direct statements, for example/ 'I wish I were dead', 'I'm going to
end it all'.
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Indirect statements, such as, 'No one cares if I live or die', 'Does
it hurt to die?'
SCHOOL AND SOCIETY
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In trouble with school authorities or police.
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Loss or disappointment in school.
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Change of school and/or address.
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Strong demands from adults for show of strength, competence and
effectiveness.
INTERPERSONAL AND PHYSICAL PROBLEMS
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Loss of an important person through death or divorce.
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Recent suicide of friend or relative.
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Breaking up with boyfriend or girlfriend.
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Exposure to violence, incest, rape.
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Abusing drugs or alcohol.
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Feared pregnancy.
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Refusal by significant other to provide anticipated help, support
or love.
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Major disappointment or humiliation
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Major family dysfunction.
HOME LIFE
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Chronic depression or mental illness in parent(s).
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Incest or child abuse.
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Severe parental conflict.
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Family involvement with drug or alcohol abuse.
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Poor communication with parents.
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Pressures for high achievement to gain parental approval or acceptance.
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Exposure to suicide, suicidal behavior or violent death of family
member or friend.
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS
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Involvement in physical violence.
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Inability to relate well to peers.
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Sexual promiscuity.
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Inability to enjoy or appreciate friendships or to express affection
openly.
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Mood swings and occasional outbursts.
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Feelings of worthlessness, being a burden or having let parents or
others down.
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Feelings of guilt, failure. having no control over their lives.
Courtesy of the American Academy of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry and America's Continuing Education
Network
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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