Adolescent suicide is a major worldwide problem. Reported rates for suicide ideation, attempts, and completion are particularly high in developed countries. For Canada, the suicide rate for adolescents consistently has been among the highest of those rates reported. Despite significant gouvernment attempts at intervention and public atigst when confronted with specific tragic examples of adolescent suicide, the rate does not appear to be significantly decreasing. This article reviews the nature and extent of suicide among Canadian adolescents. It also provides a brief overview of current assessment and treatment perspectives. With this information, school teachers, counsellors, and psychologists may be better informed regarding the significant problem of adolescent suicide in Canada and hence better prepared to recognize adolescents at high risk of suicide and to appropriately intervene.
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