Suicidal Behavior in Minors–Diagnostic Differences Between Children and Adolescents

Abstract

To date, the study of suicidal behavior among minors has focused on the age group in which it is more prevalent: adolescents. We hypothesized that suicidal behavior in children stems from a different diagnosis than suicidal behavior in adolescents, and thus merits its own investigation. We studied all minors (266) who were referred to a psychiatric emergency department due to a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation during a 3-year period. There was an age-related difference in diagnostic distribution among minors who were referred to the emergency department because of suicidal behavior (χ(2) (7) = 24.297, P < 0.01). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was more prevalent among children (under 12 years old), whereas mood disorders were more prevalent among adolescents (12-18 years old). The findings of this study highlight a diagnostic difference between suicidal children and suicidal adolescents.