Suicide by adolescents

The incidence of suicide among adolescents has increased dramatically in recent years, and physicians and parents should be aware of behaviors and characteristics that indicate increased risk of suicide. Perhaps the most important risk factor is a previous attempt to commit suicide. Although there typically is no single, clearcut cause for adolescent suicide, it is closely associated with depression or other mental disorders, family dynamics, and other personal and sociocultural factors. This article includes case reports and discusses epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, assessment, and prevention. We have also included a list of factors that indicate increased risk of suicide.