Suicide attempts in children and adolescents: a pediatric approach

Abstract

Introduction: uncommon in childhood, suicide attempts are frequent in adolescence, making suicide one of the major causes of mortality in young people around the world. Commonly, young people at risk for suicide and cases of attempted suicide are evaluated by pediatricians at health care services. Objective: to provide subsidies to qualify the pe­diatrician in the handling of children and adolescents in risk for suicide and to provide a first assistance to cases of suicide attempt. Data source: review of articles and books rela­ted to the themes of suicide and attempted suicide, based on psychiatry textbooks and re­search in Medline, PubMed and Google Scholar platforms. Data synthesis: from clinical and epidemiological data, it is possible to develop management strategies for children and adolescents at risk. Conclusions: it is crucial for health professionals who assist children and adolescents to be prepared to deal with cases of suicide risk or attempts, developing the sensitivity to recognize the mental suffering involved. Clinical and epidemiological data allow the development of strategies to approach such cases, reducing the harms to mental and physical health and the risk of death involved.