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Suicidal behaviour – does it exist in pre-school aged children?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Louise Connolly
Louise Connolly*
Affiliation:
St. Anne's Children's Centre, Taylor's Hill, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland
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Abstract

When children under five years of age are assessed and investigated following an accidental injury or self-poisoning, the possibility of psychiatric disorder and indeed suicidal intent is rarely considered. We present a case of repeated self-induced poisonings in a five year old boy, who on psychiatric examination demonstrated serious psychopathology and expressed ambivalence in relation to suicidality. All such presentations should receive consideration as to whether a referral to child psychiatry is indicated. In the training of general practitioners, paediatricians and psychiatrists alike, attention should be given to this area.

Keywords

Suicidal behaviourSelf-poisoningPre-school children
Type
Case Reports
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 16 , Issue 2 , June 1999 , pp. 72 - 74
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1999

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