Suicide Attempts or Threats by Children and Adolescents in Johannesburg

Current literature on suicide attempts by children & adolescents is reviewed. The records of children in the 10-15 yr age group who were referred to a psychiatric unit over the period 1977-1982 were analysed. Suicide attempts or threats together constituted an average of 10% of the referrals in this age group. The peak incidence was among 13-year-olds for both boys and girls. The female:male referral ratio was 2:1. Drug overdose was the most common method. Predisposing factors are covered.