Suicidal behaviour in a community based child and adolescent psychiatric service

Referrals due to suicidal behaviour to a community based child and adolescent psychiatric service were reviewed. The demographic characteristics of the young people and their families, and the clinical response to such referrals is presented. There were ten new referrals due to suicidal behaviour in the period July 1990-June 1991. They were a seriously disturbed group of young people with significant family dysfunction. Many had been involved with other child welfare agencies prior to referral to our service. The majority were referred from general hospitals. We recommend that all young people, and their families, who exhibit suicidal behaviour should be offered evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatric team.