Suicidal behaviour is a matter of great concern for clinicians who deal with the mental health problems of children and adolescents. The incidence of suicide attempts reaches a peak during the midadolescent years, and mortality from suicide, which increases steadily through the teens, is, in many countries, one of the leading causes of death at that age. This chapter starts with a historical review, and covers clinical features, assessment, classification of associated diagnoses, epidemiology, aetiology, course and prognosis, emergency treatment, and possibilities for prevention.

Suicidal behaviour is a matter of great concern for clinicians who deal with the mental health problems of children and adolescents. The incidence of suicide attempts reaches a peak during the midadolescent years, and mortality from suicide, which increases steadily through the teens, is, in many countries, one of the leading causes of death at that age. This chapter starts with a historical review, and covers clinical features, assessment, classification of associated diagnoses, epidemiology, aetiology, course and prognosis, emergency treatment, and possibilities for prevention.