Although the rate of teen suicides is up, the actual number of teenagers who commit suicide remains small, according to Dr. Nancy Rappaport of Harvard Medical School.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people ages 14 to 24. The rate for suicides was 6.7 per 100,000 in 2003 compared to 9.4 per 100,000 in 2007. The number of suicides tripled between the late 1960s to the late 1980s, but dropped 30% since the early 1990s. Many scientists believe that decrease was due to the use of anti-depressant drugs.

However, Dr. Rappaport, an expert on teen suicide, said there is no way to determine if teen suicides have increased because of "black box" warnings on drug labels mandated by the FDA in 2005.

The vast majority of teens who commit suicide are mentally ill. A 1987 study of 170 suicide victims found that 90% had mental disorders. Suicide is also associated with drug abuse. Teens most frequently commit suicide with guns, followed by drug overdoses and hangings.

If your child shows five of these symptoms, it is a good idea to take him to the doctor for an evaluation. Signs of suicidal ideation are excessive sleeping, irritability, depression, restlessness, lack of interest in friends and family, lack of interest in usual activities, loss of appetite, and a drop in school performance.

Your family doctor or therapist might recommend a residential treatment center for your teen. Island View is an adolescent treatment center that offers children a place to work through their emotions while earning school credits.

Labels: mental_health, residential_treatment_centers, suicide