Emerging trends in adolescent suicide prevention research

A comprehensive public health strategy for adolescent suicide prevention includes upstream prevention strategies, strategies for risk recognition, and services for those at risk. Interpersonal trauma and substance use are important prevention targets as each is associated with risk for suicide attempts. Multiple prevention programs target these factors; however, the Family Check-Up, designed to reduce substance use and behavioral problems, also has been associated with reduced suicide risk. Several youth screening instruments have shown utility, and a large-scale trial is underway to develop a computerized adaptive screen. Similarly, several types of psychotherapy have shown promise, and sufficiently powered studies are underway to provide more definitive results. The climbing youth suicide rate warrants an urgent, concerted effort to develop and implement effective prevention strategies.