Here is a comprehensive overview of our present understanding of youth suicide - a growing tragedy that has tripled in frequency over the last three decades, becoming the third leading cause of death among American youngsters. The information provided here is intended to assist mental health professionals in their battle against this epidemic.
Among the topics addressed are the psychodynamics of suicide-prone youth, the impact of social change, the role of the family, and the kinds of intervention strategies that have proven useful in different situations. Valuable case studies are presented with an emphasis on establishing practical guidelines for timely diagnosis and prevention.