Study on Psycho-Social Factors Related to Children's Suicide

Over the last 45 years, mortality due to suicide has increased in some developed and developing countries, among both children and adults. This study was undertaken to determine the cases suicide in 6-15 years old children. Between Jan. 2005 and Jan. 2008, data from 292 children (239 girls and 53 boys) aged 6-15 years who attempted suicide and were referred to the Loghman Hakim Medical Poison Centre affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran were enrolled. The Children Suicide Questionnaire (CSQ) was applied. The percentage of girls who attempted suicide was 81.8% against 18.2% for boys. Most of them were from 12 to 14 years old. 43.8% of the children were in a poor socio-economic class. 55.5% of the study period was between 6.00 pm and 12.00 pm. 41% of the respondents reported cases of mental illness in their family. 41.6% of the children had previously attempted suicide while 95% of suicide attempts took place at home and in 36.6% of suicides, there was a family argument. Depression (28%) and epilepsy (27.1%) were the most cited cases of personal problems using antiepileptic drugs (23%), benzodiazepine (23%), and antidepressants (20%). This study suggests a collaboration between pediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists.