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Youth suicide is the second leading cause of death in children, teens, and young adults in the US.   Yet, there are so many things we can do to try to prevent morbidity and mortality.  Dr. Brian Kurtz, child and adolescent psychiatrist and medical educator extraordinaire at Cincinnati Children’s hospital, joins me to discuss how pediatricians can help prevent suicide.

**What increases risk for youth suicide?

•  Previous suicide attempt
•  Non-suicidal self-injury
•  Mental health problems (*including ones you would not necessarily associate with suicide, like ADHD)      
• Family history of death by suicide, suicide attempts
• History of TRAUMA

** How pediatricians can reduce risk for suicide

** The importance of helping kids and teens feel a sense of belonging and connection 

Dr. Brian Kurtz is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Director of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Residency Training Program at Cincinnati Children’s hospital.  He serves on the Pediatric Behavioral Health Clinical Advisory Panel for Ohio MInds Matter. He helped to develop educational materials for the Ohio Minds Matter website on multiple topics, including youth suicide risk assessment. 

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