E) Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents age 15 to 19 years
High risk factors include: depression, prior attempt, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming identification, h/o abuse, and family history of suicidal behavior. Physicians cannot assure total confidentiality as confidentiality may need to be breached for patient safety. Patients with a clear intent and clear plan need to be hospitalized. Agreeing to a safety contract does not mean the patient is low risk, nor does a non-lethal plan (children may not be able to assess the lethality of their plan, and may gain access to a more lethal plan through e.g. internet research). Access to lethal means of completion, e.g. firearms, is an important risk factor to assess.
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September 30, 2020 at 7:38 pm
E) Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents age 15 to 19 years
High risk factors include: depression, prior attempt, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming identification, h/o abuse, and family history of suicidal behavior. Physicians cannot assure total confidentiality as confidentiality may need to be breached for patient safety. Patients with a clear intent and clear plan need to be hospitalized. Agreeing to a safety contract does not mean the patient is low risk, nor does a non-lethal plan (children may not be able to assess the lethality of their plan, and may gain access to a more lethal plan through e.g. internet research). Access to lethal means of completion, e.g. firearms, is an important risk factor to assess.