Citation

Marciniak S, Koba R, Bursa J, Drzewiecka U, Franiczek W. Pediatr. Pol. 2006; 81(11): 812-817.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

According to the WHO, the number of suicides and suicide attempts among children and adolescents is increasing in most parts of the world. In Poland, suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of selected demographic, emotional and socio-economical factors on the decision to commit suicide by children, who subsequently required hospitalization in a pediatric intensive care unit. The study included 108 children after suicidal intoxication. It was found that girls predominated in the investigated cohort. They were aged from 14 to 17 years, and came from families with a low socio-economical status. In 99% of the attempts, overdose of medications was the chosen form of suicide. Serious family conflicts were the main reason for attempting suicide.

CONCLUSIONS. 1. Family conflicts, female sex, age about 15 years, and difficult socio-economical circumstances led to undertaking of suicide attempts among adolescents, who mainly chose overdose of medications as the means to commit suicide. 2. Our experience showed that among unsuccessful suicides, professional treatment on-site and intensive medical care made it possible to save almost 99% of these patients. 3. Every child, who attempted suicide requires psychological or/and psychiatric care after discharge from the hospital. 4. Parents need to increase supervisions over medications kept in the home. © 2006 by Polskie Towarzystwo Pediatryczne.

Language: pl

Keywords

adolescent; human; Poland; female; male; Adolescents; Suicide attempts; hemodialysis; suicide attempt; hospitalization; treatment outcome; article; major clinical study; controlled study; mental health care; socioeconomics; drug intoxication; stomach lavage; intensive care unit; diazepam; demography; carbamazepine; hospital discharge; world health organization; artificial ventilation; emotionality; Intensive care; baclofen