There are many different methods to help prevent suicide in people who are identified to be at risk. Thorough physical and mental health evaluations can help determine possible causes of suicidal thoughts/behavior in order to get appropriate treatment. Any expression of suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously.  

When there is a clear, immediate risk of suicide, it is important to seek help from a physician, mental health provider, hospital emergency room or emergency services (e.g., 911). In general, the more defined a suicide plan, the greater the risk. For example, if a person has thought about how and when they will do it, and they have access to a lethal means (e.g., a gun or pills), the risk of suicide is high. Inpatient psychiatric care may be necessary when a suicidal person is a danger to him or herself.

In addition, most people who commit suicide signal their intentions to family or friends. Learning to identify and respond to these warning signs can help prevent suicide. These signs can include:

• A loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities (anhedonia)
• Preoccupation with death/suicide
• Increased social isolation
• A significant increase/decrease in sleep or appetite

Suicidal thoughts and behavior are often treated with antidepressants and/or psychotherapy. In rare cases, electroconvulsive therapy may be used.

The issue of a link between antidepressants and suicide behavior in adolescents has been explored recently. In 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) asked all manufacturers of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants to include a strong label warning indicating that antidepressants might raise the risk of suicide ideation or suicide among teens. This warning was expanded in 2007 to include adults aged 18 to 24 in the first two months of treatment. The warning is now required on all antidepressants.

It's important to note that numerous studies have shown that adults over age 25 can be effectively treated with antidepressants, and while these adolescent warnings are alarming, patients and their parents should speak to their physicians about all treatment options. Antidepressants are still recommended as treatment for adolescent depression by the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. An ACNP task force found that antidepressants remain effective, even as there was a small increase in risk of suicidality. Other studies have found that since the FDA's first warning in 2004, the prescribing rate for antidepressants among adolescents has dropped dramatically even as suicide rates have begun to creep back up again. No causal relationship has been established.

Obviously, there are many unresolved issues surrounding the use of antidepressants and adolescent suicide. The best option is to thoroughly discuss options with the prescribing physician and to closely follow the monitoring protocols established by various medical authorities if antidepressants are the best option.

There is no evidence that asking a person suspected of suicidal thoughts/behavior about it increases the likelihood that he or she will attempt suicide.