The suicidal child

Foreword by Melvin Lewis.

Part 1 - Clinical descriptions and epidemiology of childhood suicidal behavior. 1 A historical overview of suicidal behavior in children. 2 Definition and classification of suicidal behavior in children. 3 The epidemiology of childhood suicidal behavior. 4 The suicidal episodes of children. Part 2 - Risk factors for childhood suicidal behavior. 5 Affective disorders and suicidal behavior in children and adults. 6 Depressive disorders in children. 7 Children's concepts of death. 8 Families of suicidal children and suicidal parents. 9 Family interactions of suicidal children. 10 Ego functioning of suicidal children. Part 3 - Assessment of suicidal risk. 11 The evaluation of childhood suicidal risk by clinical interview. 12 Observations of play of suicidal children. Part 4 - Intervention for suicidal behvior. 13 Planning treatment for suicidal children. 14 Outpatient psychotherapy with suicidal children. 15 Psychiatric hospital treatment of suicidal children. 16 Adjunctive treatment modalities for suicidal children. Appendix: Child suicide potential scales

'Drawing on the literature as well as her own research and years of clinical experience, Dr. Pfeffer presents...the most complete examination to date of the research, theory, and treatment of suicidal behaviors in children. The volume opens with a brief historical review of child suicide, followed by a definition of suicidal behavior and a discussion of the causes and characteristics of different types of suicidal episodes. In the second section, Dr. Pfeffer offers an analysis of such risk factors as depression, affects associated with suicidal behavior, concerns about death, ego functioning, and the relation of the suicidal child to the family system. The third and fourth section are devoted to assessment and treatment. Key issues covered include clinical interviewing, the use of structured measurements, play observation, treatment planning, indications for inpatient and outpatient care, and the use of ancillary treatment measures such as medication and family or school involvement.'

Hardcover