PERSONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF SUICIDE IN IRANIAN CHILDREN

Regarding the hazards of suicide as a psychiatric emergency and its tensions and side effects, this study was conducted on children referred to Loghman-Hakim Hospital (Tehran, Iran) due to attempted suicide during the years 1999 and 2000. We reviewed the medical records of children diagnosed as suicidal cases. Age, sex, time and means of suicide, how the parents became aware of the matter, and the cause of suicidal behavior were all collected in a data sheet. The medical records with insufficient data were excluded. Sixty children aged between 6 and 13 years met our criteria. They included 37 males and 23 females. Results revealed that suicide attempts mostly occurred in autumn, during the weekend and between 6pm and 11 pm. Divorce or separation, and academic difficulties were the main background factors. Suicide attempts were mainly practiced through the use of drugs (93.4%). Depression constituted the most common underlying disease. It was also revealed that children had learned about suicide through television programs, or had witnessed suicidal attempts by a member of their family, most commonly their mothers. Further studies are required to determine the role of psychiatric, social and biological aspects of this problem. However, a KAP study to assess family training may be helpful.