Citation

Rujević J, Pregelj P. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 146.

Affiliation

University Psychiatric Hospital, Studenec 48, 1260 Ljubljana, Slovenia. (peter.pregelj@psih-klinika.si)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964146

Abstract

Objective: The fact that Slovenia has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe is reflected in high rates of suicidal behaviour in the adolescent period. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences in expressed suicidal behaviour between the group of children and adolescents and all other outpatients, and to compare the diagnoses and prescribed medications at arrival and after the visit of Urgent Psychiatry Outpatients Department (UPOD) at University Psychiatric Hospital of Ljubljana. Method: From the case register of UPOD all admission in years 2004-2005 were extracted. During this time 2557 patients were examined. From the case register 150 children and adolescents from 10 to 18 years old were compared with all other patients. Chi-square test s or Fisher'S exact test were used to evaluate association between two groups. Results: Most children and adolescents suffered from behaviour and mood disorders that started in childhood and adolescence (F90-98, 28%); there is also a high rate of anxiety disorders (F40-49, 27%). The chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference in the frequency of suicidal behaviour between the compared groups. The group of children and adolescents had a higher rate of suicidal thoughts (24%, others 22%) and suicidal attempts (19%, others 7%); (chi=21,9; df=2; p< 0,001). More than 80% of children and adolescents did not have prescribed any medication (chi=30, df=1, p<0,001). Children and adolescents with suicidal behaviour should receive special attention in the outpatients department setting.

Language: en