Many professionals are inadequately prepared to address suicide issues with youth and families.
Unfortunately, a number of studies indicate that many professionals are inadequately prepared in these areas. A survey of pediatric residency programs in the United States found that topics least often cited as adequately covered included psychological testing and violence prevention. 30 Another study found that continued education for adolescent medicine physicians was associated with increased competence in addressing suicide. Suicide prevention education programs for teachers increase their ability to recognize warning signs for suicide, their knowledge of treatment resources and willingness to make a treatment referral. Champions in each discipline should be recruited to work within their field to promote interest in and support for youth suicide prevention education.