Risk Factors – Warning Signs of Suicide
The most common risk factors associated with youth suicide include depression, previous suicide attempts, frequent thought about death, and the use of drugs or alcohol. The following information was accessed from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Website to provide you with additional information about identifying and managing potentially suicidal patients. Many of the signs and symptoms of suicide are similar to those of depression:
• Change in eating and sleeping habits • Withdrawal from friends, family, and regular activities • Violent actions, rebellious behavior, or running away • Drug and alcohol use • 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