Suicidal events in adolescents: how clear are the warning signs?

Adolescence should mark a time of exploration, self-discovery and the development of a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Adolescent suicidality represents the ultimate threat to these normal developmental processes. Factors impacting the likelihood of adolescent self-directed violence are numerous and this reality can often leave providers and youth advocates with a dilemma when attempting to identify suicidal youths. Universal screening in primary clinic settings provides an opportunity to identify youths most at risk of suicide. Multiple levels exist for provider and youth advocate intervention in the prevention of adolescent suicide.