Teens, ADHD, and Suicide

Children and teenagers are more exposed than ever due to social media. They share what they are doing in real-time. As a result, experts say kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem. For parents, knowing what their child or teen is thinking and feeling becomes even more challenging. So, when do the usual ups and downs of a child with ADHD become something to worry over? What if your teen is thinking about suicide? Do you know the warning signs? In this episode, Dr. Jill Harkavy-Friedman talks about the warning signs for parents to watch for in their children. Also, she provides strategies for talking to your child and teen about suicide, building a support network, and preventive measures. Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, is vice president of research at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She works with over 200 scientific advisors to evaluate progress in the field and chart the next areas of inquiry to yield impactful insights and strategies for suicide prevention. Dr. Harkavy-Friedman has published over 100 articles. She works closely with AFSP’s education, communication, and public policy and advocacy teams to develop programs and messages to ensure they follow best practices in suicide prevention and reflect the latest findings in research. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and her master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Florida. In 1984, she joined Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine as an assistant professor. She established the Adolescent Depression and Suicide Program. In 1989, Dr. Harkavy-Friedman moved to Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute, first as an assistant professor and later as an associate professor of clinical psychology in psychiatry. As a licensed psychologist, she maintains a clinical practice in Manhattan.