The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is concerned by the national increase in teen suicide. A Pediatrics report, "Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2005," shows that the suicide rate for youth ages 1-19 increased by 18.2 percent from 2003 to 2004. Suicide was the only death rate that significantly changed during this time period.
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Denise Espie, Director, Development and Communications, ext. 120, despie@aacap.org
Erin Baker, Communication Manager, ext. 119, ebaker@aacap.org
Washington, D.C., February 5, 2007 - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is concerned by the national increase in teen suicide. A Pediatrics report, "Annual Summary of Vital Statistics: 2005," shows that the suicide rate for youth ages 1-19 increased by 18.2 percent from 2003 to 2004. Suicide was the only death rate that significantly changed during this time period.
"I call on everyone to learn the signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal behavior," AACAP President Thomas F. Anders, M.D., said. "Parents, teachers, physicians, and friends of depressed youth must form an active prevention team."
Depression is a pervasive, brain-based disorder. Left untreated, it can lead to suicide in extreme cases. Youth living with depression must receive a comprehensive evaluation and sustained treatment from an appropriately trained mental health professional.
The AACAP has developed a series of fact sheets that outline the warning signs of depression and suicide. Facts for Families are written by child and adolescent psychiatrists, who are physicians with extensive training in identifying and treating mental illness. The following signs were taken from the Facts for Families on Suicide:
Warning Signs of Suicide:
- 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
A teenager who is planning to commit suicide may also:
- Complain of being a bad person or feeling rotten inside
- Give verbal hints with statements such as: I won't be a problem for you much longer, Nothing matters, It's no use, and I won't see you again
- Put his or her affairs in order, for example, give away favorite possessions, clean his or her room, throw away important belongings, etc.
- Become suddenly cheerful after a period of depression
- Have signs of psychosis (hallucinations or bizarre thoughts)
Individuals who are experiencing any of the above or know someone who is, should seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible.
To schedule an interview with a child and adolescent psychiatrist to discuss the warning signs of depression and suicide, please contact Denise Espie, Director of Communications, at 202-966-7300, ext. 120 or despie@aacap.org. For more information about psychiatric disorders, see AACAP's Facts for Familes series. The series also has fact sheets on when and how to seek help, psychiatric medications, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. The Web site, www.ParentsMedGuide.org, was created for families and individuals who have questions about antidepressant medications.
Representing over 7,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists nationwide, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is the leading authority on children’s mental health. AACAP members actively research, diagnose, and treat psychiatric disorders affecting children, adolescents, and their families.
Our Facts for Families, available free of charge on the AACAP website, provide concise and up-to-date information on a wide array of issues relating to children’s mental health. Written in a simple, straightforward manner, these 88 one-page fact sheets are valuable to anyone raising or working with children. In addition, the AACAP routinely refers the media to expert spokespeople on child and adolescent issues, and sponsors The Campaign for America’s Kids – an initiative designed to fund an Advocacy Institute for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, with the goal of mental health for all children.
AACAP Mission: The Mission of the AACAP is the promotion of mentally healthy children, adolescents and families through research, training, advocacy, prevention, comprehensive diagnosis and treatment, peer support and collaboration.
