Irish journal of psychological medicine
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To review the clinical presentation, and Accident and Emergency Department clinical response to 14-20 year olds in suicidal crisis in inner city Dublin and to carry out a six month follow up of these young people. ⋯ This is a particularly vulnerable group of patients from a socio-demographic and mental health perspective. Their attendance at the A&E department provides a unique opportunity for an in-depth psychosocial assessment, which should be recorded in a systematic way to assist clinical audit, facilitate strategic mental health planning and may confer some therapeutic clinical benefit to at risk young people. An easily accessible, active DSH team specifically tailored for young people in the A&E department could provide assessment and short-term follow-up. This is the approach recommended by young people in suicidal crisis, whose views need to be heard.