Demographic and clinical features of adolescent parasuicides

The demographic, ethnic and clinical characteristics of 102 adolescents admitted to the Port-of Spain General Hospital over a 10-month period because of parasuicide were studied. The estimated rate of attempted suicide among adolescents was 94 per 100,000 of the hospital catchment population. Ninety per cent of the sample were females. Fifteen per cent had previously attempted suicide. Twenty-five per cent were clinically depressed, 22% had adjustment reactions, and in 49% no mental illness was detected. In 50% of cases, no further treatment was necessary after the first psychiatric interview. Intra-family conflicts were the most frequent reasons given for the attempted suicides. Girls of East Indian origin attempted suicide more frequently than those of African origin. Adolescents of mixed racial backgrounds attempted suicide less frequently than those of either African or East Indian origins. The findings of the study suggest a need for the adolescent psychiatric services to be upgraded, and for a review of the hospital policy of admitting all parasuicides of whatever degree as this is resulting in unnecessary and costly utilization of hospital beds.