Suicidal Children Grow up: Suicidal Behavior and Psychiatric Disorders Among Relatives

Family study & family history interview techniques were used to examine psychopathology & medical illness in 488 first- & 1,062 second-degree relatives of 53 child psychiatric inpatients who reported suicide attempts or thoughts, 16 nonsuicidal inpatients, & 54 normal children. Suicidal behaviour in children was associated with suicidal behaviour in their families, although no first-degree relatives committed suicide. No significant association was noted for second-degree relatives. (57 refs.)