Citation

Robinson LH. Am. J. Psychother. 1984; 38(3): 399-412.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1984, Association for the Advancement of Psychotherapy)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

6486287

Abstract

Susceptible children may become depressed and suicidal in response to stressful social factors including loss or separation from parents, parental abuse, neglect, rejection, pressure, or a chaotic, disorganized family environment. Psychological factors that predispose children to suicidal behavior include inadequate ego-defenses to cope with feelings engendered by the adverse environmental circumstances. Often these children relate poorly to others and are excessively dependent. Outpatient management is possible if the parents are able to be appropriately supportive and protective. Intensive psychotherapy is often necessary to modify a basic depressive outlook on life and to resolve inner conflict about self-worth. The suicidal child must be helped to give up perfectionistic attitudes and to alter aggressive responses to loss and disappointment. Work with parents is important, particularly when the child's suicidal state is reactive to inappropriate parental behavior. Antidepressant drugs may prove to be a useful adjunct.

Language: en