Evaluation of Children and Adolescents Admitted to Emergency Service with Suicide Attempt

Abstract

Introduction:Although the number of studies conducted on suicide attempt with adult patients is very high, it is very few in adolescents. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the characteristics of children and adolescents who admitted to the pediatric emergency unit due to suicide attempt.Methods:This study was carried out by analyzing the files of cases retrospectively who applied to the pediatric emergency unit between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2020 due to suicide attempt and consultated to child and adolescent psychiatry unit.Results:Of the 60 subjects, 48 (80%) were female and 12 (20%) were male. The average age was 15.01±1.73 years. The most common method was overdose drug intake (63.3%) and followed by incision (18.3%). Conflict with the family was found the most common reason for suicide attempt (36.7%). The most common psychiatric diagnosis was major depressive disorder (30%) and followed by anxiety disorders and conduct disorders (both 16%). Multiple suicide attempts were also significantly associated with substance use and staying in child welfare instution. Although it was not statistically significant, the rate of multiple suicide attempts (40.5% vs. 16.7%) was higher in those with comorbid psychiatric disorders than those without a psychiatric disorder. Only 55% (n=33) of the cases applied to the child psychiatry outpatient clinic appointment, which was recommended when they were discharged from the emergency service.Conclusion:Due to the low rate of those presenting to the child psychiatry outpatient clinic after the emergency service, strategies to increase the awareness of families about suicide should be developed.

Keywords

• suicide attempt
• adolescent
• psychiatry