Presentation of Suicide Attempts to the Emergency Department: Clinical Features of Early and Late Adolescents

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic and clinical features of early and late adolescents attempted suicide. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the clinical characteristics of adolescents who attempted suicide and presented to our Emergency Department (ED) from January 2009 to December 2011. Patients were divided into two groups; Group 1 consisted of early adolescents (10-14 years) and Group 2 consisted of late adolescents (15-18 years). Results: A total of 22 (34%) patients were early adolescents and 42 (66%) were late adolescents. Thirty-one (48%) of the 64 patients were male, and 33 (52%) were female (p=0.730). We found a statistically significant difference between early and late adolescents in time to ED admission (p<0.001), length of stay (p=0.040), having parents who were divorced or had a history of multiple marriages (p<0.001), prior suicide attempts (p<0.001), lower economic status (p=0.013), and mortality rate (p=0.008). Self cutting and expressed dissatisfaction with their bodies were significantly more common in late adolescents (p<0.001, p=0.006, respectively). Conclusion: Some families may be inadequate for the normal development of children. Psychological and social support units must be installed by governments. (JAEM 2013; 12: 185-8)