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Suicide, Pediatric

Leonard J. Levine, MD and Jonathan R. Pletcher, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Suicidal behavior is a voluntary self-harming act with the intent of ending one’s own life.

  • Attempted suicide occurs when the act does not result in death (also, failed or near-suicid...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

ALERT

Once suicidal ideation has been disclosed, it is critically important that a prompt suicide risk assessment occur.

 
  • Clinician’s confidence and competence in discussing suicidal id...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Medical stabilization is always the first priority, including transfer to the emergency department if there is any question of toxic ingestion or other form of potentially le...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Clear plans for outpatient follow-up should be mutually established by the patient, family, and care team at regular intervals, including a plan to identify and c...

ADDITIONAL READING

CODES

ICD9

  • V62.84 Suicidal ideation

  • 300.9 Unspecified nonpsychotic mental disorder

ICD10

  • R45.851 Suicidal ideations

  • T14.91 Suicide attempt

  • Z91.5 Personal history of self-harm

SNOMED

  • 44301001 Suicide (disorder...

FAQ

  • Q: Should I ever keep suicide attempts or plans confidential?

  • A: No. The limits of confidentiality should be clearly outlined to patients and families at the first visit or early in the patient’s a...

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