Suicidality and psychopathology in hospitalized children and adolescents

The present study presents the incidence of suicidality in a group of hospitalized children and adolescents and the relationship between suicidality, forms of psychopathology, and a variety of demographic and family variables. Specific attention is paid to age and gender differences. More than two-thirds of the sample (70%) showed evidence of suicide attempts, threats or ideation. One third attempted suicide at least once prior to or during their admission, and twice as many girls attempted suicide as boys. The majority of suicide attempters were 12 years or older at the time of their first attempt. Drug overdose was the method most frequently used. The suicide attempters and patients without a history of attempts did not differ on demographic and family psychopathology variables. Interestingly, no diagnostic differences were found between suicide attempters and non-suicidal patients. The majority of suicide attempters were diagnosed conduct disorder. Only a third of the attempters were diagnosed as suffering from an affective disorder. We therefore conclude that factors such as impulsivity and anger may contribute significantly to suicidal behavior in children and adolescents.