[Attempted suicide by defenestration in children and adolescents]

In adults, suicidal attempts by jumping from elevated sites have been extensively studied and usually occur in patients with major psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or melancholia. Among the children and adolescents admitted to the Robert Debré Hospital in Paris for attempted suicide from 1989 through 1992, 8 (1 boy and 7 girls) had jumped out of a window. Ages ranged from 11 1/2 years to 15 years. Two patients had depression but in the six other cases there was no evidence of a psychiatric disorder. The suicidal attempt occurred after a prolonged period of conflicts within the family. Management of such patients proved difficult because of the presence of severe injuries and above all of massive denial on the part of the patient and family.