Attempt to suicide in children in Loghman hospital

Background: Attempt of suicide in children is somewhat different than with adults and little is known about childhood suicide and it’s responsible factors in children. In this study suicide in children under 14 years old and its etiologic factors have been reviewed.
Methods: In a period of 3 years(since April 2002 to April 2004) among 176 children (8-13 years old) who were admitted for poisoning in Loghman university hospital, 111 patients (59 boys and 52 girls) that had an attempt of suicide were studied. Demographic data, living area, drugs used, time and place of suicide, past history of psychologic and somatic disorders and psychologic consultation data were gathered and analyzed.
Findings: Based on this study in children 8-13 years old, poisoning was intentional in 63% of cases. Attempt of suicide was a little more common in boys, most of the cases were between 12-13 years old and most of them lived in a low socioeconomic area (57.4%). Suicide was often attempted at home (95.5%) and cases frequently occurred in the winter (35.6%). Benzodiazepines (1 9.3%) followed by tricyclic antidepressant (14%) and anticonvulsants (12%) were the most common drugs used. The drugs had often been available for the children (92.8%). Thirteen patients had previous history of attempt of suicide and 47% of patients had psychologic disorder.
Conclusion: According to this study attempt of suicide was the most common cause of poisoning in children between 8-13 years old and socioeconomic status, background of psychological disorders and exposure to potentially toxic drugs made their attempt of suicide easier.