Suicide in Childhood and Early Adolescence

SUMMARY A survey, using contemporary medical and educational data, was carried out on all childhood suicides in England and Wales over a 7 yr period. No deaths were reported before the age of 12. All the cases studied were aged 12–14, there were more than twice as many boys as girls and the group included more tall children and more children of superior intelligence than would be expected in the general population. Antisocial behaviour had been reported in most of the children before death. Suicide was most often precipitated by a disciplinary crisis and often took place after a period away from school. Previous suicidal behaviour was noted in 40 per cent of the cases, but this may be an underestimate. There was a high incidence of depression and suicidal behaviour amongst the children's parents and siblings.