Literature about suicide behavior often shows equity between suicide attempt and deliberate self harm (DSH). The objective of this study is to differentiate suicide attempt from DSH regarding the frequency, methods used, reasons, and purposes.

Data were collected from 1,551 junior high school students from Mexico City Downtown (2003 and 2006 academic generations). The questionnaire included the CIP (Cédula de Indicadores Parasuicidas: Parasuicide Indicators Schedule), suicide ideation, depression, and others. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous.

DSH overall prevalence was 5.8% male and 20.5% female, including 3.9% and 16.7% of ambivalent suicide attempt, and 0.7% and 6.1% of suicide attempt with death purpose. Most of the boys who attempted suicide used sharp objects. Reasons in both sexes were mostly related to interpersonal area, and the purpose was to stop suffering. The most frequent method used in DSH was sharp objects; reasons for boys were in the emotional area and in the interpersonal for girls. The purpose was continue living.

It is important to distinguish between suicide attempt and DSH to obtain more precise information about the problems and its characteristics. Results show that both of these are a considerable matter among adolescents; tough they have different characteristics, with a considerable suicide risk. Mental health promotion and attention must begin during elementary school in order to prevent more serious distress and illness during adolescence and adult age.