CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SUICIDE ATTEMPTS IN CHILDREN ASSISTED BY A POISON CONTROL CENTER

Objective: To assess suicide attempts in children seeking care at a Poison Control Center. Methods: Cross-sectional study with children (<12 years old) that attempted suicide and were cared at the Poison Control Center in Londrina, Parana, Southern Brazil, from April 1985 to December 2018. Results: We identified 59 children, most of them females (74.6%), who used only one product (77.9%). Among the products involved, medications were the most important ones (88.1%). Neurological/ psychiatric/muscular manifestations (61.0%) were the main symptoms presented. The main reason identified for the suicide attempt was conflicts with family and/or friends (27.1%). Suicide attempts were more frequent in 2001-2003 and 2016-2018. Conclusions: Suicide attempts occurred mainly in female children with a single agent (mainly medications), and the main reason was family conflicts..

Automated summary

The study found that suicide attempts mainly occurred in female children, most of whom used only one product, mainly medications. The main reason for suicide attempts was conflicts with family and/or friends. Suicide attempts were more frequent in 2001-2003 and 2016-2018.