Family dynamics, childhood depression, and attempted suicide in a 7-year-old boy: a case study

Overt suicidal behavior in children is uncommon. The few papers discussing this area include only minimal descriptions of family dynamics and do not, in general, utilize the concept of childhood depression in the formulation of this behavior. This paper reviews the literature in the two areas of suicidal behavior and depression in children and presents in detail the family dynamics surrounding a suicidal attempt in a 7-year-old boy. The case is formulated in terms of childhood depression, and the course of treatment is discussed.