Abstract
Although relatively rare, suicide is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents in the Western world. This study
examined whether children and adolescents are drawn to other methods of suicide than adults. Swiss suicides from 1998 to 2007
were examined. The main methods of suicide were analysed with respect to age and gender. Of the 12,226 suicides which took
place in this 10-year period, 333 were committed by children and adolescents (226 males, 107 females). The most prevalent
methods of suicide in children and adolescents 0–19 years were hanging, jumping from heights and railway-suicides (both genders),
intoxication (females) and firearms (males). Compared to adults, railway-suicides were over-represented in young males and
females (both P < .001). Jumping from heights was over-represented in young males (P < .001). Thus, availability has an important effect on methods of suicide chosen by children and adolescents. Restricting
access to most favoured methods of suicide might be an important strategy in suicide prevention.
examined whether children and adolescents are drawn to other methods of suicide than adults. Swiss suicides from 1998 to 2007
were examined. The main methods of suicide were analysed with respect to age and gender. Of the 12,226 suicides which took
place in this 10-year period, 333 were committed by children and adolescents (226 males, 107 females). The most prevalent
methods of suicide in children and adolescents 0–19 years were hanging, jumping from heights and railway-suicides (both genders),
intoxication (females) and firearms (males). Compared to adults, railway-suicides were over-represented in young males and
females (both P < .001). Jumping from heights was over-represented in young males (P < .001). Thus, availability has an important effect on methods of suicide chosen by children and adolescents. Restricting
access to most favoured methods of suicide might be an important strategy in suicide prevention.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-011-0232-y
- Authors
- Urs Hepp, Psychiatric Services Aargau AG, Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Haselstrasse 1, 5401 Baden, Switzerland
- Niklaus Stulz, Psychiatric Services Aargau AG, Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Haselstrasse 1, 5401 Baden, Switzerland
- Jürg Unger-Köppel, Psychiatric Services Aargau AG, Teaching Hospital of the University of Zurich, Haselstrasse 1, 5401 Baden, Switzerland
- Vladeta Ajdacic-Gross, Clinic for General and Social Psychiatry, Psychiatry University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827