Preventing Suicide Through Lethal Means Restriction in Pediatric Care

Suicidal ideation in the pediatric population has increased by 50% over the last decade. Suicide is the primary contributor to violent deaths and ranks as the second leading cause of mortality within the 10-24-year-old age group. The lethality of the methods selected notably elevates the likelihood of children and adolescents dying by suicide. Awareness of the commonly chosen means of suicide at each developmental stage and understanding their respective lethality are vital in developing prevention strategies. Lethal means safety counseling is a specific evidence-based suicide prevention strategy that pediatric providers can use during patient encounters to help mitigate the risk of self-inflicted injuries and suicide. Providers are well-positioned to integrate discussions of lethal means restriction with patients and their families into their protocols for suicide prevention, screening, and assessment. This article explores the data and practice evidence for lethal means restriction and counseling, focusing on clinical strategies and policy changes to reduce access to lethal means. Emphasis is given to how pediatric providers speak with parents about the importance of restricting access when developing a safety plan.