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Suicidal behavior and parental psychopathology in hospitalized depressed children

R A Weller1, E B Weller, M A Fristad

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Depression and Anxiety
|December 18, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hospitalized children with major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibit higher suicidal behavior. Parental psychopathology was common but not directly linked to the intensity of suicidal behavior in these children.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Suicidal behavior in children is a significant concern.
  • Understanding the influence of parental psychopathology is crucial for effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate suicidal behavior in hospitalized children diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • To examine the relationship between child suicidal behavior and parental psychopathology.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of clinical interviews and diagnostic instruments for 58 hospitalized prepubertal children with MDD and 58 controls.
  • Assessment of child suicidal behavior (ideation, intent, plans, attempts) and parental psychopathology history.

Main Results:

  • MDD children showed significantly more suicidal ideation, intent, plans, and attempts than control children.
  • Parental psychopathology was prevalent across all child groups, irrespective of suicidal behavior.
  • The intensity of suicidal behavior in children did not correlate with specific patterns of parental psychopathology.

Conclusions:

  • Hospitalized children with MDD demonstrate elevated suicidal behavior compared to other psychiatric inpatients.
  • While parental psychopathology is common, it does not appear to directly influence the intensity of suicidal behavior in their hospitalized children.

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