Improved screening needed for suicidal teens

New studies show that teens are not likely to get intervention when they are depressed. A team at Seattle Children's Research Institute at the University of Washington and Group Health Research Institute published "Adolescents with Suicidal Ideation: Health Care Use and Functioning" in Academic Pediatrics exploring the topic.

They found that only 13% of teens with suicidal thoughts had mental health visits through their healthcare providers. Only 16% received services in the year after the study commenced. This was even though they were eligible for and had access to mental health services.

"Teen suicide is a very real issue today in the United States. Until now, we've known very little about how much or how little suicidal teens use healthcare services. We found it particularly striking to observe such low rates of healthcare service use among most teens in our study," said Carolyn A. McCarty, lead author and PhD of Seattle Children's Research Institute.

Suicide may seem like a rare occurrence with teens, but it is the third leading cause of death for children between the ages of 15 and 24. It's the fourth leading cause of death for kids between the ages of 10 and 14. It's alarming to find out they have access to care, qualify for mental healthcare benefits, but do not seek help. Kids who think about suicide are more likely to have interpersonal difficulties, school problems, and mental health problems. So while it may be typical for a teen to contemplate suicide and not follow through, the ideation is an indicator at least of other difficulties.

"We know that asking teens about suicidal ideation does not worsen their problems." said Dr. McCarty. "It's absolutely crucial for a teen who is having thoughts of self-harm or significant depression to be able to tell a helpful, trustworthy adult."

Source: Academic Pediatrics, MedicalNewsToday