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Suicide Among American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Youth: An Unrealized Future

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Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth ages 1524 years, sixth leading cause of death for AIAN males (Khan, Visions: BC’s Ment Health Addict J 5:6, 2008), and third for all NHPI youth age 10–14 years (Heron, Natl Vital Stat Rep 65:1, 2016). Cultural issues add a level of complexity to developing treatment plans and interventions, while historical trauma adds to the severity of usual risk factors for AIAN/NHPI youth. Presented is the case of a suicidal child and how the team utilized culturally appropriate treatment interventions. Mental health providers can help prevent suicide among this vulnerable group by having a better understanding of the cultural and historical contributors to the risk factors for suicide among AIAN/NHPI youth.

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Abbreviations

AI:

American Indian

AIAN:

American Indian Alaskan Native

AIAN/NHPI:

American Indian Alaskan Native/Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander

AN:

Alaskan Native

ASD:

Autism spectrum disorder

CPS:

Child protective services

DSM5:

Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5

FC:

Foster care

IHS:

Indian health service

MH:

Mental health

MHP:

Mental health provider

NH:

Native Hawaiian

NHPI:

Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander

PI:

Pacific Islander

SA:

Suicide attempt

SB:

Suicidal behavior

SI:

Suicidal ideation

UNESCO:

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

US:

United States

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Lee Carlisle, L., Daily, R.S. (2018). Suicide Among American Indian, Alaskan Native, and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Youth: An Unrealized Future. In: Pumariega, A., Sharma, N. (eds) Suicide Among Diverse Youth. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-66203-9_4

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