Related Experiment Videos
[Preadolescence and suicide attempts].
M Gandione1, C Sirianni, R Rigardetto
1Dipartimento di Scienze Pediatriche e dell'Adolescenza, Sezione di Neuropsichiatria Infantile, Università degli Studi, Turin, Italy.
Minerva Pediatrica
|July 17, 2001
Summary
Suicide attempts in preadolescents are more common than believed, particularly in lower socioeconomic groups. These attempts often stem from serious emotional and relational issues, not sudden pathology.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Public Health
Context:
- Preadolescence (under 13 years) suicide attempts are under-researched compared to adolescence.
- This case-study examines 27 preadolescent inpatients over ten years (1990-1999).
Purpose:
- To investigate the incidence, characteristics, and contributing factors of suicide attempts in preadolescence.
- To highlight the unique aspects of suicide attempts in this age group.
Summary:
- Suicide attempts in preadolescents are not rare, especially preceding adolescence.
- Key factors include lower socioeconomic status (87%), drug ingestion (most common method), family psychiatric history (45%), and pre-existing emotional disturbances (70%).
Impact:
- Suicide attempts in preadolescents are a symptom of underlying emotional/relational problems, requiring intervention.
- Findings underscore the need for increased awareness and support for at-risk preadolescents and their families.