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Deliberate self-poisoning in children

P Krishnakumar1, M G Geeta, A V Gopalan

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Medical College, Calicut, North Kerala, India. krshnakumar@sancharnet.in

Indian Pediatrics
|July 5, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Deliberate self-poisoning in children under 12 is linked to family and school stress, and psychiatric disorders. Rat poison was most common, with some children inspired by TV.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Toxicology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Deliberate self-poisoning (DSP) in children is a serious concern.
  • Understanding associated factors is crucial for prevention and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the nature and contributing factors of DSP in children under 12 years.
  • To identify common methods and substances used in pediatric DSP.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study evaluating children referred to a Child Guidance Clinic.
  • Assessment of stress factors, psychiatric disorders, and poisoning details over a five-year period (1999-2003).

Main Results:

  • DSP accounted for 0.9% of total poisoning admissions.
  • Acute and chronic family and school stress were significantly associated with DSP.
  • The majority of children exhibited psychiatric disorders; rat poison (zinc phosphide) was the most common agent.
  • Two cases were influenced by television content.

Conclusions:

  • DSP in young children is associated with significant psychosocial stressors and underlying psychiatric conditions.
  • Targeted interventions addressing family, school, and mental health are necessary.
  • Public health awareness regarding media influence on pediatric poisoning is warranted.

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