Provided by David Satcher, M.D., Ph.D.
Surgeon General of the United States of America
Chapter 3: Children and Mental Health
Overview of Mental Disorders in Children
Depression and Suicide in Children and Adolescents
Treatment
Suicide
Intervention After a Suicidal Death of a Relative, Friend,
or Acquaintance
The suicidal death of a relative or acquaintance may increase the risk for
childhood or adolescent suicidal behavior and other dysphoric states (Brent et
al., 1992, 1994; Pfeffer et al., 1994, 1997; Clark & Goebel, 1996). Major
depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal ideation often occur
after the death of an adolescent friend or acquaintance and relative (Brent et
al., 1992, 1994, 1996).
The goal of the clinician is to decrease the likelihood that a child or
adolescent comes to view the suicidal behavior of the deceased as a coping
strategy in dealing with adversity (Brent et al., 1997). Psycho- educational
counseling may reduce the risk for suicidal behavior in these circumstances.
Intervention is also needed to decrease the child’s or teen’s personal sense of
guilt, trauma, and social isolation. This treatment can be given in individual
meetings, at group sessions with other teens, or in conjunction with parents who
need help to support the adaptive capacities of their children and adolescents.
School professionals sometimes offer programs of this kind and can be invaluable
in identifying grieving friends who may need help.
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