Adolescent suicide attempters: Post-attempt course and implications for treatment

The empirical literature on the follow-up outcome of adolescents following a suicide attempt is reviewed. Findings on eventual completed suicide, repe at attempts, and general psychosocial functioning are summarized. This grou p of adolescents is noteworthy for their poor compliance with outpatient tr eatment following a suicide attempt. Studies designed to enhance treatment compliance with these adolescents are reviewed. Finally, the small literatu re on empirical treatment trials with adolescent suicide attempters is revi ewed. Clinical implications for the management of the acute suicidal crises and the psychotherapy of these adolescents are presented. Copyright (C) 20 00 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.