Der Safety-Plan als (ergänzende) Kurzintervention für Jugendliche mit suizidalem Verhalten.

Abstract

The Safety Plan as a (Supplementary) Brief Intervention for Adolescents with Suicidal Behavior Abstract: The forthcoming German S3 guideline on managing suicidal behavior recommends the implementation of a safety plan for suicidal behavior in adolescents. To be effectively used in a future suicidal crisis, this safety plan should be completed together with the adolescent. This self-efficacy increasing plan includes, among other things, the identification of (early) warning signs of an impending suicidal crisis, a step-by-step list of individualized coping strategies, and - if these fail - specific contact information for supportive individuals, professional help resources, and the emergency number of the department for child and adolescent psychiatry. Originally developed for adults by Stanley and Brown, the safety plan has since been modified, expanded, and supplemented with youth-specific aspects (e. g., involvement of parents). After a brief overview of the evidence, this article describes the safety plan intervention in detail. We made a master version for adaptation and personal use, including detailed instructions, available online. First feedback from adolescents following the implementation of the safety plan has been positive, and the intervention is well-received. Therapists using the safety plan also find it helpful in treating suicidal behavior in adolescents. Future scientific studies will show whether this therapy component can reduce suicidal behavior in different subgroups.