Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Suicidal Behaviors Among Young Children: Risk Factors and Differences from Adolescents |
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| Contribution code | D1.131 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
The rising prevalence of suicide behaviors among preadolescent children presents a public health concern, necessitating a nuanced understanding of its distinct and shared risk factors compared to adolescents. This presentation synthesizes findings from two recent studies conducted in pediatric psychiatric emergency settings in Israel. These studies explored psychosocial and clinical correlates of suicidal ideation and behaviors among children under 12 years old and adolescents aged 12–18, aiming to inform age-appropriate assessments and intervention strategies. The first study investigated psychosocial factors in 183 children and adolescents presenting to ER with suicidal ideation and behaviors. Depression emerged as a common risk factor across age groups, while age-specific variations were identified: among children, anxiety and conduct symptoms were prominent, whereas among adolescents, depression and anxiety were more predictive of suicidal outcomes. Additionally, gender differences were observed, with higher suicidal behaviors among adolescent females but no significant gender disparity in children. The second study focused on the association between Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms and suicidal behaviors and attempts in 71 children referred for emergency psychiatric care. Hyperactivity, rather than inattention, was significantly correlated with increased suicide attempts, highlighting hyperactivity’s critical role as a risk factor in this population. Notably, children’s self-reports demonstrated a stronger association with suicidal behaviors than parental reports, emphasizing the importance of incorporating self-assessments in clinical evaluation of young children. These findings underscore the need for tailored approaches to assess and manage suicide risk in children and adolescents. By addressing age-specific and condition-specific risk factors, such as hyperactivity and conduct symptoms in children, mental health professionals can develop more targeted interventions to mitigate this growing crisis. |