Management of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Youth: A Systematic Review

https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/suicidal-thoughts-youth/research September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Finding effective treatments to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth requires more research, according to an evidence review from AHRQ's Effective Health Care Program. Researchers examined 65 studies that included nearly 14,500 children and adolescents up to age 18 who were at a heightened risk for suicide because they had experienced suicidal ideation, prior attempts, and/or a hospital discharge for mental health treatment. Researchers found moderate-quality evidence that dialectical behavior therapy—a type of structured talk therapy that teaches skills such as regulating emotions and having healthy relationships—may reduce both suicidal ideation and nonsuicidal self-injury when part of a 6- to- 12-month treatment program. However, researchers also found that most approaches, including pharmacological treatment, other psychosocial therapies, family-based therapies, crisis interventions, and school or community programs have promising but ultimately insufficient evidence currently to prove benefit. Access the study: Management of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Youth: A Systematic Review. https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/