Suicide in Children and Teens
Maggie had called the clinic and stated that she desperately needed someone to talk to as soon as possible. During the call, Maggie sounded panicky and reported that she had broken up with her boyfriend six weeks ago and had trouble sleeping and concentrating at work. This can be attributed to the stress associated with the breakup. Maggie's mother is also calling the clinic, and she is very concerned about Maggie's state. According to mom, Maggie has expressed wanting to die and has thoughts of suicide.
Teaching resources for talking with teens about suicide https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/2018/11/teaching-resources-for-talking-with-teens-about-suicide/
How to Talk about Suicide Risk with Patients and their Families https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/blueprint-for-youth-suicide-prevention/strategies-for-clinical-settings-for-youth-suicide-prevention/how-to-talk-about-suicide-risk-with-patients-and-their-families/
Suicide in Children and Teens https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Teen-Suicide-010.aspx
Please answer the following questions:
Is she a significant risk for suicide?
Based on the evidence, what will you recommend for this patient?
Discuss briefly why you would not have chosen the other alternatives in question #2
Sample Solution
Is she a significant risk for suicide? Based on the information provided, Maggie is at a significant risk for suicide. She has recently experienced a major loss (her boyfriend), she is having trouble sleeping and concentrating, and she is expressing thoughts of wanting to die. These are all risk factors for suicide. What will you recommend for this patient? The first step is to assess Maggie's risk for suicide. This can be done by asking her about her thoughts of suicide, her plans for suicide, and her access to lethal means. If Maggie is at high risk for suicide, she should be admitted to the hospital for a suicide assessment and treatment.Full Answer Section
If Maggie is not at high risk for suicide, she can be treated as an outpatient. This may involve therapy, medication, or both. It is also important to connect Maggie with her support system, such as her family and friends. Here are some specific recommendations for Maggie:- Assess her risk for suicide: This can be done by asking her about her thoughts of suicide, her plans for suicide, and her access to lethal means.
- Connect her with her support system: This may involve her family, friends, or a therapist.
- Provide her with therapy: Therapy can help Maggie to understand her thoughts and feelings about the breakup, and it can also help her to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult emotions.
- Prescribe medication: If Maggie is struggling with depression or anxiety, medication may be helpful.
- Monitor her progress: It is important to monitor Maggie's progress and to adjust her treatment plan as needed.