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The Warning Signs and Major Risk Factors of Suicide
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Signs of suicide and depression in teens
Each year, thousands of American teenagers are diagnosed with clinical depression. If ignored or poorly treated, it can be a devastating illness
for adolescents and their families. A new book, "Understanding Teenage Depression" provides the latest scientific research on this serious condition and the most up-to-date information on
its treatment. Drawing on her many years of experience as a psychiatrist working with teenagers, Dr. Maureen Empfield answers the questions
parents and teens have about depression. Maureen Empfield, M.D., is director of psychiatry at Northern Westchester Hospital Center in Mt.
Kisco, New York, and assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She is the author or
coauthor of more than a dozen publications for the professional market. Nicholas Bakalar is a New York-based writer and editor.
Although it is almost impossible to predict precisely which teenager will attempt suicide, there are warning signs that parents can look for. The
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has assembled this list of indications. If one or more of these signs occur, parents should
talk to their teenager and seek professional help.
- Unusual changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities
- Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away
- Excessive drug and alcohol abuse
- Unusual neglect of personal appearance
- Marked personality change
- Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of schoolwork
- Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often related to emotions, such as stomachaches, headaches, fatigue, etc.
- Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
- Not tolerating praise or rewards
- Complaints of feeling "rotten inside"
- Giving verbal hints such as "Nothing matters," "It’s no use," or "I won’t be a problem for you much longer"
- Putting his or her affairs in order by giving or throwing away favorite possessions or belongings
- Becoming suddenly cheerful after an episode of depression
In high-risk patients-that is patients who have threatened or attempted suicide-there are four risk factors that account for more than 80% of
the risk for suicide: major depression, bipolar disorder, a lack of previous mental health treatment, and the availability of firearms in the home. If
these four problems were solved, most suicides would be prevented.
Copyright © 2001 Maureen Empfield, M.D., and Nicholas Bakalar, authors of the book "Understanding Teenage Depression". Reprinted with permission.
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