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[Suicide in pediatric patients: 30 cases]
B Osona Rodríguez1, M González Vicent, S Mencía Bartolomé
1Servicio de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos, Hospital Universitario del Niño Jesús, Madrid.
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|September 27, 2000
Summary
Pediatric suicide attempts are increasing, particularly among adolescent girls, with self-poisoning being the most common method. Early recognition and intervention by pediatricians are crucial for managing these critical events.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Context:
- Suicide attempts in the pediatric population represent a significant public health concern.
- Adolescent self-harm behaviors require specialized medical and psychiatric attention.
- Understanding the epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric suicide attempts is essential for effective management.
Purpose:
- To evaluate suicide attempts in pediatric patients.
- To analyze the associated morbimortality in this population.
- To identify risk factors and common methods used in pediatric suicide attempts.
Summary:
- This study reviewed 26 pediatric patients hospitalized for suicide attempts between 1991 and 1999.
- The majority of patients were adolescent girls (96%), with the highest incidence in the 14-17 age group (73%).
- Anorexia nervosa was frequently associated (70%), and self-poisoning was the predominant method (93%).
Impact:
- Suicide attempts are increasingly prevalent in adolescents.
- Pediatricians must be equipped to identify and address medical, familial, and social issues related to pediatric suicide attempts.
- Prompt medical attention can lead to favorable clinical outcomes, though mortality remains a concern.