Teen Suicide

" I'm Clark thanks for joining us this webcast. Suicide among our nation's youth has increased dramatically over the years it's now listed as the second leading cause of death in teenagers. That's a disturbing statistic that one which every parent should -- What drive child to take him or her life are there warning signs you can watch out for. And what'd you do what you think your child is considering suicide. Here to discuss this issue is an expert in the field doctor Peter Jensen who profess their child psychiatry. At Columbia University thanks for being here doctor Johnson and how common is asking who --"

" Well we know that natural affecting suicide has increased over the years to a point where used to be below the adult levels and now actually risen to at all levels. I did today. As you noted the second most common leading cause of death among adolescents. So -- every major public health problem and really only just surpassed by auto accident as a cause of death contains."

" Now there's some studies which suggest that fully a quarter point 5%. Of adolescent can't consider suicide at some point. Who I'm --"

" In -- thinking about death and dying is not a terribly uncommon thing in Montana that's correct a very depending on the other hand to actually form a plan. To make specific attempt. Suicide attempts. Are relatively common and completed suicide of course much -- comment but again and when it does happen and it's a devastating condition for the family and all involved certainly what sorts of factors and may lead up to a suicide attempt what can -- be on the lookout for. We'll in terms of children who actually complete suicide note that the greatest risk factors are having a mental health disorder. Sometimes can confident her co occurring substance use would -- youth at risk but depression probably the single leading Collins. And then there would be associated with suicide. Now there are often for impotence and so are child might have depression or use might have depression and the -- deal -- There are full event that happens on top. Of that. Depression that seems to be given a final. If you will draw some time. I used we know from some situations. Will form a plan and say you know this happens and that's it and hundreds of lives romantic -- are common catalysts. Romantic break -- common catalogs boxcar. There's a preponderance of the white older adolescent male. Who attend. -- I don't complete suicide why do you think that it was a very interesting difference between boys and girls and so that long girls actually make me anymore attempt. And boys the boys -- are much more likely to succeed because they turned the fatal means. They are the most common means of trying to do at a killing one's -- and I Gundy actually are long gone and boy and and these are -- fatal methods words it's an overdose attempt or. A -- him in girl and these are you rarely fatal. Does that indicate that. Girls are more likely not have really want to go -- with this but it's more of a cries for help perhaps. -- don't think we know that didn't and while there are some things -- we think it was a suicide gesture I think every time it. That someone is contemplated suicide. And makes an actual attempt is being treated at a very seriously and it demands a medical evaluation. Sometimes people might assume that it was just the manipulation can. --"

" When Russian parents intervene if you have a child who. Just -- it's not I could kill myself for doing that where you look -- eight. That's just blowing off steam or that some that I need to take seriously how can you describe it."

" Well whenever a child -- that that I'm gonna kill my own I'll take that as a warning signs. And so when parents tell me there's sort teller for a primary care provided as always encouraged is urged those professionals to get that child an official. Expert evaluation and -- not -- to say I'm gonna kill myself the media manipulation involved in home and it may not an -- but there's something else going on a veteran of the company deserves an evaluation."

" Any final advice for parents and on things to look out for things they should be aware of if they suspect this might be an issue for their child."

" Its parent to be aware of signs of depression and the change in mood a lot of interest in normal activity. Thought or discussion to have withdrawal from friends. Are substance use and -- a risk factor. Com and other impulsive behaviors sometimes an upset particularly boys might be linked to suicide. I don't completed suicide and suicidal behavior so parents have concerns. They probably should act on them and there's a time we have concerns you've been doing for quite awhile when you really realize you're worried it's time to act."

" And then say early intervention can mean the difference between my contract that's right. Thanks so much doctor Johnson for being with -- thank you we appreciate you joining us as well I'm Lisa Clark."