Particularities of suicide attempts in late adolescence in Tunisia

Abstract

Introduction

Suicide attempts in late adolescence deserves special attention.

Identifying particularities of suicidal behavior in this age group seems important in order to detect suicidal ideations.

Objectives

Describe the characteristics of suicide attempts in late adolescence among hospitalized patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive study that was conducted in our psychiatry department in Razi Hospital, Tunisia. It focused on a population of Tunisian adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years old and who were hospitalized after a suicide attempt between January, 1st 2010 and November,15th 2018.We used a pre-established questionnaire that explored the sociodemographic and clinical data of patients.

Results

Thirty adolescents were included. Twenty-three of them (77%) were female. Mean age of suicidal adolescents was 16.5 years. They were mostly living with their families (80%). Intentional drug ingestion was reported in 56% of cases. Half of the adolescents were indifferent regard the suicide attempt. Conflictual family environment was reported to be a triggering factor of the suicidal thoughts in 60% of cases, and romantic breakup in 20% of cases. In fact, these adolescents were diagnosed with adjustment disorder with depressed mood in 47% of them and depression (28%).Adolescent suicide attempts were correlated with a conflictual family environment (p=0.04) and the presence of academic difficulties (p<10-3).

Conclusions

Family dysfunction and conflictual environment are predictors of suicide risk in the late adolescence. Prevention strategies should be reviewed and focus more on these factors.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.