Child Suicide in the North of Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2015

Authors

Mendes, R (Author) Other; Santos, S (Author) Other; Taveira, F (Author) Other; Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP; Santos A (Author) FMUP; Teresa Magalhães (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Journal of Forensic Sciences

Vol. 60

Pages: 471-475

ISSN: 0022-1198

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 10 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00A-7XA

DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12685

Abstract (EN): Suicide in children is a rare finding and is probably motivated by acts of impulsiveness. This study aims to contribute to the characterization of child suicide in a forensic perspective in the Portuguese population. Data of forensic autopsies from 2004 to 2012 related to suicide victims under 18years were reviewed. A total of 17 cases, with a male predominance (64.7%) and a mean age of 15.24 +/- 1.348 for both genders, were registered. The leading suicide method was hanging (35.3%), and a suicide note was found in 41.2%. Psychological autopsy proved to be useful in promoting a better understanding of these incidents and their antecedents. This study also offers useful information, namely the implied risk factors, for future programs of suicide research and prevention.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5