Suicide risk assessment in high-risk adolescents

摘要

Approximately 80% of all teens are seen in a primary care setting each year;12 however, healthcare providers fail to correctly identify those with a mental health condition 16% to 38% of the time.21 Approximately one in five adolescents have a diagnosable mental health disorder.22 Early identification and treatment of these disorders is important and necessary in order to keep them on a healthier track.Screening for mental health issues in children and adolescents has become a national healthcare priority. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommend screening for mental health disorders in primary care settings in adolescents ages 12 to 18 years when services for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and psychotherapy are available.24'25 Early intervention, screening, and treatment can minimize the morbidity and mortality of mental illness.