Children through the age of 19 have recently shown an increase in suicides. With all the medications and awareness available, why is this happening?
Increase in Suicides
According to the CDC, Center for Disease Control, suicides were the only cause of death in children that increased during 2003-2004. Children up to the age of 19 are dying in greater numbers than before.
The Stats
In the past, adolescent suicides were lower. In 2003 the death rate from suicides among children 15 to 19 was 1,737. In 2004 the death rate was 1,985. This is an increase of 18 percent.
Coincidence?
What a coincidence that in 2003-2005 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began using the black box warning on prescription packages that antidepressants could acutally cause suicidal behavior. Parents and doctors were alerted to the "fact" that antidepressants could actually increase the likelihood that adolescents would commit suicide if on antidepressants. However, other research links antidepressants to a "decrease" in suicidal behavior. What are parents to do? One group says this and another group says that.
Suicides Down in the 1990's
Suicides were down in the 1900's. Schools had suicide prevention programs and this seemed to be having a positive effect. But, as funding was cut, no one really knew the true implications.
Depression Symptoms
What are some depression symptoms that teachers and parents may be looking for?
- Persistent sad or anxious mood
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Fatigue or decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Insomnia or oversleeping
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Restlessness or irritability
- Headaches or chronic pain
Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Black Box Warnings
Did the black box warnings actually contribute to the deaths of adolescents? That is unknown. However, this is something to look at for the future. If parents and doctors are hesitating to prescribe medications, is this causing suicides to increase? Suicide data is available in February's Pediatrics 2007 magazine.
Implications for Teachers
Teachers are often the first to notice a change in behaviors. Parents need to be called if
- Grades begin to decline
- Students begin to drop out of activities
- New behaviors begin to appear
- Motivation seems to be lost
- Group of friends changes
- Hygiene declines
- Student comments become mostly negative
- Lack energy
These are all obvious warning signs that teachers may notice before parents. There is a denial factor on the part of parents who may not want to notice a problem. There is a stigma with mental health issues. When the school calls, they may be willing to notice the problem and see differently. Frequently, parents see depression as an "attitude" problem and not for what it is. Middle school is when depression begins to rear it's ugly head. Based on the newest statistics, it may more dangerous to not treat the problem than treat it.
Related articles: Teenage Brain Not Developed, Teenage Suicide Warning Signs
Read previous articles on Educational Issues.
Copyright article 2007 Barbara Pytel. All Rights Reserved.
