[Therapeutic approach to adolescent suicide]

Management of suicidal behaviour in adolescence raises a triple problem: first, one-third of the subjects make repeated suicide attempts, with a clear risk of subsequent death; second, 70% of the patients have no known mental disorders but show psychic suffering requiring appropriate assistance; third, few subjects can themselves request such care, being unable to recognize their disability. Thus, the author suggests classifying the suicidal act among disruptive behaviours that require early detection before any measures can be taken to prevent suicide. The author also asks that hospitals propose adapted treatment to young persons having suicidal behaviour. Aside from physical care, routine emergency room evaluation should be accompanied by a brief hospitalisation in a setting aimed at further evaluation of the crisis and providing mediation for the patient and the family. Such facilities render the act of suicide its deeply critical nature and favour the involvement of all the family members in subsequent therapy.