Predictors of Traumatic Suicide Attempts in Youth Presenting to Hospitals with Level I Trauma Centers

The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Suicide: Is It All Bad?

Current daily practices in many emergency departments throughout the United States include providing emergency stabilization and psychiatric care for adolescents presenting with suicidal ideations and attempts. Upon presentation for care, standard nursing practices are to initiate suicide precautions. These precautions include removing all personal items from the patient, including cell phones or other electronic devices and with it, their access to social media. Although many believe this removal gives adolescents a necessary break from their peers and the social pressures associated with adolescence in the 21st century, is this practice supported by current evidence? And does it benefit adolescents, or provide additional psychological stress and anxiety, thus exacerbating their current state of crisis? The current literature review examines these questions and reveals contradictory evidence supporting detrimental and constructive effects of social media removal during adolescent emergency treatment for suicidal behaviors. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(4), 12-17.].

A qualitative content analysis study using electronic medical records to understand youth suicide attempts

PROBLEM

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-24 in the United States. The purpose of this study was to examine circumstances youth self-reported when presenting to hospitals due to a suicide attempt.

METHODS

A qualitative content analysis of clinicians' notes identified major themes of patients' lived experiences and circumstances leading up to suicide attempt.

FINDINGS

A total of 231 unique patient encounters were included in this study. Mean age of participants was 14.71 (SD = 2.04) the majority being female (75%) and Non-Hispanic White (48%). Four themes characterized contributing factors: (1) trauma, (2) relationship quality, (3) risky behaviors, and (4) personal emotions and symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest commonalities among these youths' circumstances and experiences which may have precipitated a suicide attempt. These data will aid nurses and other health-care providers in understanding the complex, and often traumatic, histories of youth who attempt suicide. Improved knowledge in this area has the potential to direct improved screening, treatment, and referral protocols as well as suggest areas to focus prevention efforts.