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Suicidal fantasies in normal children.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Approximately 12% of children experienced suicidal impulses, with many identifying with depressed parents. These findings highlight the need for early intervention in pediatric mental health.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Mental Health
Background:
- Understanding the prevalence of suicidal ideation in children is crucial for early detection and intervention.
- Previous psychiatric history was screened out to focus on new-onset suicidal impulses.
Observation:
- A study examined 101 schoolchildren without prior psychiatric symptoms.
- Verbatim accounts from children regarding suicidal tendencies were collected.
Findings:
- Around 12% of the studied schoolchildren reported experiencing suicidal impulses.
- Parental depression and suicidal behavior were frequently observed, with children identifying with these parental patterns.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a significant prevalence of suicidal impulses in children, often linked to familial mental health issues.
- Clinical strategies should address parental mental health and the child's identification with depressed parents.
- Early identification and support for children exhibiting suicidal ideation are critical.