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Contribution title The impact of suicidal deaths of children and adolescents among mental health professionals and caregivers: A systematic review
Contribution code D2.132
Authors
  1. Cathy Roshini National Institute of Mental Health and Allied Neurosciences (NIMHANS) Presenter
  2. Madhushree Baruah National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore
  3. Harshini Manohar National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore
  4. Bino Thomas
  5. Paulomi Sudhir
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T40 - Suicide
Abstract Aim: Suicide, a deliberate act of killing one’s own self is increasing in adolescents and youth worldwide. Survivors in case of adolescent suicide include not only the family members and caregivers but also the treating mental health professionals. This review aims to explore the experiences of these survivors and identify critical issues related to their support.

Method: A comprehensive search of English-language publications from January 2000 to August 2024 was conducted across peer-reviewed journals indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, ProQuest, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Studies focussing on the impact of adolescent suicide on mental health professionals and caregivers were considered, excluding those on self-injury, suicide attempts, or non-suicide-related deaths. Data was synthesized using narrative synthesis. Risk of bias assessment was done using the CASP checklist for qualitative studies and JBI checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Two independent reviewers reviewed all studies. The review process followed PRISMA guidelines.

Results: Over 4000+ studies were screened, 118 studies were included for full-text screening, and 30 studies were included for data extraction. The overarching themes from the studies indicated the emotional distress, guilt, and disrupted lives of families who lost their children to suicide. Mental health professionals experienced emotional, relational, and vocational impacts, hindered by stigma and lack of postvention but supported by learning opportunities.
Barriers and facilitators of formal and informal support are crucial to consider postvention to caregivers and therapists, who are survivors navigating complex and longitudinal emotional circumstances.

Conclusion: The loss of an adolescent to suicide leaves a lasting impact, but support, long-term postvention, improved suicide management training, and a restorative, supportive work culture can provide meaningful assistance.