Suicidal behavior in children and adolescents: a clinical and research perspective.

This overview presents the significant findings on suicidal risk in children and adolescents. Specifically, it outlines macroscopic domains of suicidal youth such as psychosocial, sociocultural, and philosophical features. A definition of youth suicidal episodes and descriptions of their component features are offered. Risk factors involving psychopathology in the suicidal youngster and family as well as other environmental, developmental, and physiological stresses are highlighted. Directions for clinical management and empirical research are offered.