Suicidal behaviors in adolescents are usually the result of multiple social, economic, familial, and individual risk factors with mental health problems playing an important role. Drug and alcohol abuse also increases the likelihood that someone will commit suicide. In 2000, over 5000 suicides were committed by young people age 10 to 24, and suicide was the third leading cause of death among that age group. Mental disorders and suicidal feelings are treatable, thus it is important for an adolescent to have his or her illness recognized and diagnosed.

COMMISSION MEMBERS

David Brent, M.D., University of Pittsburgh

Madelyn Gould, Ph.D., M.P.H., Columbia University

Ann Pollinger Haas, Ph.D., City University of New York

Jill Harkavy-Friedman, Ph.D., Columbia University

David Shaffer, F.R.C.P., F.R.C. Psych., Columbia University

Howard Sudak, M.D., University of Pennsylvania