This opinion piece considers the current predominance of assessment tools and strategies in working with people at risk of suicide, and questions their efficacy and how they are privileged in day to day mental health practice. While such tools and an evidence-based "scientific" approach to assessment clearly has its place, the author…

The death of a child is one of the most tragic events imaginable. Even more gut-wrenching is when a child intentionally chooses to end his or her own life in order to escape from unbearable suffering. Unfortunately, the occurrence of self-harm behaviors increases dramatically and occurs at elevated rates during adolescence (Nock et al., 2008), and…

This article responds to Phillip Kleespies's (2010/this issue) commentary on NuTech fieldworkers and their use of the debreather. Non-medical assistance with suicide raises legitimate concerns about accountability, public safety, and care for those who are suffering. Given that suicide is not a crime, an outcome of the NuTech movement may be that…

Discusses the increasing incidence of suicide among adolescents and children. Indicates that children from families with death, divorce, or other forms of disruption are at particular risk, as are male children. Concludes that professionals involved with young people require accurate information and skills with which to identify high risk children…

Notes that subject of transgenerational patterns of suicide attempt calls for examination of variables extending beyond those examined in previous article (Sorenson and Rutter, 1991). Considers possible significance of such variables as respondent's income, employment status, and length of residence in the community. Contends that scales assessing…

Contends that family disruption associated with parental mental disorder and suicide attempts may be contributory factor in suicide attempts. Reviews research comparing parental divorce and parental death to highlight potential factors associated with intergenerational transmission of suicidal behavior across developmental levels. Outlines…

Mental health counselors may lack essential information for competent assessment and treatment of suicidal clients. This article will increase mental health counselors' awareness of suicidal risk factors, outcome research on cognitive-behavioral counseling for suicidal clients individually or in the family context, and practical techniques for the…

Presents six myths of suicide are discussed. Risk factors, methods of detection of suicidal behavior, intervention techniques, and prevention of adolescent suicide. Characteristics of school-based suicide-prevention programs and appropriate teacher interventions are presented. A list of warning signs and two "no suicide" contracts are…

Argues for paradigm shift in how mental health professionals approach their work with psychiatric patients in midst of suicidal crisis and suggests that time has come to discuss standard of care based on integration of detected risk factors, effective education and training in suicidology, and routine use of consultation and teamwork. (Author/NB)

Understanding why this hidden minority of adolescents is at a high risk for suicide is important in developing and implementing interventions through a developmental guidance program. Statistical profiles of gay, lesbian, and bisexual students are presented. Suicide risk factors are discussed and preventive and responsive interventions are…

Attempts to clarify the legal issues involved in the duty of school counselors to warn and protect when counseling suicidal youths (unemancipated minors) and offers some guidelines on how to prevent legal vulnerability. Considers the liability crisis, standard of care, the right to privacy, and the balance between confidentiality and the duty to…

The relationship between medical illness and suicide seems to be multi-faceted. While medical illness is not the sole determinant of suicide, certain illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and brain cancers, do appear to elevate the risk of suicide. Possible effective prevention efforts include education of primary care providers, and improved medication…

Subpopulations of elderly adults at highest risk for suicide are identified, and several specific programs are described, along with a range of measures to prevent suicide in late life. These measures include primary prevention steps related to education, and secondary prevention involving early identification and assessment of the depressed and…

When suicidal behavior is reported, student affairs officers on many campuses notify parents as one component of a multifaceted campus suicide prevention plan. In response to proposals to mandate parental notification, the author argues that practical considerations warrant against expanding state laws to require notification following campus…

Foster children and young people who are coming into care are particularly at risk for suicide. The successful prevention of a crisis depends on the ability of foster parents and agency staff members to understand the nature of the situation and work together in dealing with it. (BC)