Ünlü, Gülşen Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Çocuk ve Ergen Ruh Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları AD, Turkey , Aksoy, Zeynep Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Özel Çalışma Modülü Programı, Turkey , Ersan, Eşme Ece Pamukkale Üniversitesi - Tıp Fakültesi - Özel Çalışma Modülü Programı, Turkey

Evaluation of child and adolescents with attempted suicide

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Purpose: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people. The aim of this study was to investigate psychiatric diagnoses, clinical and demographic characteristics of children and adolescents who attempted suicide. Materials and methods: Medical records of patients who attempted suicide under the age of 18 were examined by a child and adolescent psychiatrist, between January 2009 and December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Out of 61 patients who attempted suicide, 45 (73.8%) were female and 48 (78.7%) of them were between the ages of 15-17. Drug overdose was the most common way of attempting suicide (83.6%). Psychopathology was diagnosed in 65.6% of these patients. The most frequent psychiatric disorders were major depressive disorder, conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conflicts with family and in boyfriend/ girlfriend relationships were the most common precipitant factors for attempting suicide. Conclusion: The identification of risk factors related to suicide attempts maybe helpful in predicting suicidal behaviour. Current research suggests that being female, having mental disorders (particularly depression) and close relationship problems were important factors associated with adolescent suicide attempts. Close monitoring and treatment of adolescents at risk of attempting suicide are crucial in preventive mental health.

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Adolescent , suicide attempt , psychiatric diagnosis , demographic features.

Pamukkale Medical Journal

183