Forensic aspects of suicide and homicide in children and adolescents

Homicide and suicide are, respectively, the second and third leading causes of death for adolescents aged 15-19 (National Center for Health Statistics 2014). Society oen expects psychiatry to be able to accurately predict and eectively prevent suicide and homicide, despite realistic limitations in these areas. In a treatment context, clinicians must recognize the children and adolescents most at risk for violence and take appropriate steps. In a forensic context, cases of homicide and suicide are frequently the focus of court scrutiny, and forensic psychiatrists frequently play a role in the adjudication of such cases.