Understanding suicide in children and early adolescents may lead to more effective prevention

This study looked at suicide in children (ages 5 to 11) and early adolescents (ages 12 to 14). It compared the individual characteristics and circumstances around suicide in children and adolescents and evaluated potential racial differences. Previous studies that examined differences between older and younger adolescents have found that younger adolescents tended to have lower suicide intent, less cognitive ability to plan and execute a fatal suicide attempt, and lower rates of mental health problems. Researchers have hypothesized that impulsiveness may be a bigger factor for suicide in younger children. This study looks at these questions and hypotheses in an even younger population. The researchers analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System, a state-based system that collects data on all violent deaths, some of which are deemed suicide. They used data collected between 2003 and 2012 from 17 states, examining data on youth ages 5 to 14. They compared two age groups (5 to 11 years and 12 to 14 years) and race (black and non-black). They also looked at variables such as demographic characteristics, where and when the injury occurred, the method of suicide, any precipitating factors or stressors, toxicology findings, mental health diagnoses, alcohol or substance abuse problems, and history of mental health treatment. The findings were revealing. There were 699 suicides for youth in these 17 states between the ages of 5 and 14. When compared to early adolesc...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Caregiving Children's Health Mental Health Parenting Prevention Source Type: blogs