SUICIDE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
Stamatina Douki, Ioannis Koutelekos
Saturday, April 1, 2023
Publication year:
2023
Authors:
- Douki Stamatina, R.N., R.M.H.N., MSC, PHD(C), Head Nurse of Pschychiatric Halfway house of “Evaggelismos” Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Koutelekos Ioannis, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
Keywords index:
Pages: 130-139
Abstract:
Introduction: Suicide poses a significant global mental health challenge affecting individuals of all ages. While it stands as the fourth leading cause of death among young people worldwide, it's noteworthy that suicide rates among children and adolescents are lower compared to the elderly. The aim of the present review was to explore the phenomenon of suicide in children and adolescents. Material and Method: The methodology employed involves a comprehensive search and presentation of contemporary interna-tional literature. Articles, research papers, and books on suicide in children and adolescents, as well as risk factors and prevention strategies, were collected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, and ResearchGate. Results: The analysis of international literature has unveiled that several risk factors significantly correlate with suicides in children and adolescents. These include genetic and neurobiological factors, age and gender, race and ethnicity, family dynamics, sexual minority status, personality traits, lifestyle choices, psychopathology, stressful life events, and poor social relationships. Furthermore, prevention and response timely strategies for child and adolescent suicide involve screening interventions, targeted approaches for high-risk youth, restricting access to lethal means, awareness and skill development through school programs/GateKeeper, and the implementation of digital interventions. Conclusions: Suicide in children and adolescents is a significant social phenomenon with profound implica-tions for public health. The prevention and treatment of suicide in children and adolescents may involve specific considerations in their management, but it is crucial to prioritize them in the field of mental health.
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