A significant number of children experience suicidal ideation and verbalize thoughts of suicide and death. Risk factors include symptoms of psychopathology (e.g., depression, ADHD, aggression), feelings of worthlessness, parental psychopathology, family conflict and a history of abuse. There are no evidence-based treatments for suicidality in children under 12; however, there are guidelines for developmentally appropriate assessment. This article will look at the research on this area and discuss what the clinical psychologist should do with such children.
Part of the APA Monitor’s CE Corner article series.
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