NCJ Number
228519
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 54 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 1097-1100
Date Published
September 2009
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Based on autopsies performed between 2001 and 2005, this study compared the general characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in the Province of Istanbul (Turkey) with relevant research findings reported in the literature.
Abstract
There were 176 suicides of victims ages 9-18 years old, with a mean age of 17.4 years. The overwhelming majority of the victims were older adolescents (15-19 years old). Sixty percent of the suicides were male; 96 percent were single. The most frequent means of suicide was hanging (55 percent). Possible reasons reported for the suicides were mainly psychiatric disorders, followed by troubles within the family. Only 6 percent of the victims were known to have made a prior suicide attempt. These findings are consistent with the literature in terms of the prevalence of male victims, the prevalence of victims in late adolescence, the use of hanging as the preferred method of death, and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among victims. The authors advise that adolescent suicide prevention programs must emphasize early identification and appropriate treatment of an underlying psychopathology. Adolescents are at particular risk for suicide, so programs are needed to train parents, teachers, and physicians in recognizing depressive disorder among youth. A strong social support system is an essential component in reducing suicide risk. Access to firearms should also be restricted. This study retrospectively reviewed all relevant forensic cases referred to the Morgue Department of the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul, between 2001 and 2005. Data were collected from autopsy reports, records of public prosecutors, crime-scene investigation records, and hospital reports. 3 tables, 2 figures, and 43 references