Development and Evaluation of a Clinical Practice Guieline to Guide Primary Care Providers on Identification of Adolescent Suicidality

Abstract

Suicide is an issue that plagues adolescents in the United States. Suicide crosses socioeconomic, racial, and gender divides and is difficult to predict and prevent. Primary care providers (PCPs) are in a position to detect suicidality in adolescents; however, PCPs lack the knowledge and confidence necessary to accurately identify suicidal adolescents. The author conducted an extensive review of current literature (meta-analyses, systematic reviews, literature reviews, case reports, and existing clinical practice guidelines) on identification of adolescent suicidality in pediatric primary care settings. This paper provides a set of recommendations for primary care providers on how to properly identify adolescents with suicidal ideation and behavior.