Suicidal behavior is developmentally mediated, but the degree to which

interventions for suicidal behaviors have been developmentally tailored has

varied widely. Published controlled studies of psychosocial treatment
interventions for reducing adolescent suicidal behavior are reviewed, with a
particular emphasis on the developmental nuances of these interventions. In
addition, developmental considerations important in the treatment of suicidal
adolescents are discussed. There are insufficient data available from controlled
trials to recommend one intervention over another for the treatment of suicidal
youth, but interventions that are sensitive to the multiple developmental contexts
have potential for greater effectiveness in reducing ad“Depression is the most
common health problem worldwide. In 2015, there were some 300 million people
suffering from it,” said Salangad.

In the Philippines, 3.3 million Filipinos or 3.3 percent of the total population in
2012 suffered from depressive disorders.

The medical doctor said the worst consequence of depression is suicide.

“People who cannot handle it end up in committing suicide. Every year, close to
800,000 people take their own life all over the world,” Salangad said.

In Region 1, statistics from the health department shows that from January to
August 2018, there have been 108 reported suicide cases. Of which, 92
individuals or 85 percent were males and 16 (15 percent) were females.

Per province, Ilocos Norte had the highest with 31 cases followed by Pangasinan
with 27 cases, and La Union with 16. Ilocos Sur had the lowest number of cases
with 15.

“The youngest suicide victim in the region was 14 years old while the oldest was
93 years old, and hanging is the most common method of suicide,” Salangad
said
To address the limited number of psychiatrists in the country, Salangad said the
DOH has been capacitating municipal health officers in rural health units (RHUs).

In the region, she said their department has started to capacitate the medical
practitioners in the grassroots.

“We have started teaching them on how to handle mental conditions that can be
treated at their level. Worse cases, however, are still referred to tertiary level
hospitals,” said Salangad.

Grade 11 and 12 students in the region are also introduced to discussions on

depression and suicide in various fora organized by the DOH Region 1.

Further, for the upcoming observation of Mental Health Month in October, the
department will conduct a Mental Health Fair.

Free medicines are also given to patients diagnosed to have mental

illness.olescent suicidal behavior.