Suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents. Part 2: treatment and prevention.

OBJECTIVE To systematically review the treatment of suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents. METHOD After discussing the principles of treatment, we review the literature regarding adequate assessment, hospital-based services and their alternatives, and follow-up. RESULTS Treatment modalities (including psychotherapy) and preventive strategies (including school-based interventions, gatekeeper and primary practitioner training, and treatment of psychiatric disorders) are considered in the light of existing evidence. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of youth at risk for suicide should include attention to well-established risk factors, but prediction of risk remains difficult. Treatment of suicidal children and adolescents should be evidence-based and may include psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Effective methods of prevention are emerging, but more research is needed.