Rischio suicidario in adolescenti con disabilità intellettiva, disturbo del linguaggio e disturbo specifico di apprendimento

Suicidal spectrum behaviors (SSB) include a continuum ranging from suicidal ideation, to non-suicidal selfharm (NSSI), to suicide attempt (SA), until death by suicide. Suicide in pediatric population has a higher prevalence among adolescents diagnosed with NDDs (neurodevelopmental disorders), predominantly in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and in patients with psychiatric disorders, especially in presence of psychotic symptoms, depression and anxiety disorders. Although the literature has focused more on children and adolescents with ADHD, ASD and Tourette’s disorder, a real risk has also emerged for patients with intellectual disabilities, communication disorders and specific learning disorders. Through a narrative review of the literature, we aim to focus attention on suicidal spectrum behaviors in these last neurodevelopmental disorders, placing the focus on risk factors, screening possibilities and therapeutic approaches. Available literature data, suggest that emotion dysregulation should be considered the main factor related to SSB. Among the universal screening tools, the most valid are the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)-Dysregulation Profile (DP) questionnaires and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). As concern the treatment, the most relevant psychotherapeutic approaches are the «Integrated Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)», the «Multisystemic Therapy (MST)», the «Mentality-Based Treatment for Adolescents (MBT-A)», «Developmental Group Psychotherapy (DGP)», «Parent and Adolescent Program (RAP-P)», and «Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A)». Among psychopharmacological treatments, antidepressants and mood stabilizers are the most used, in particular we will take into consideration treatment with Lithium and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).