Depression and Suicide in Young Children

Despite the dramatic increase of depression and suicidal behavior in children, research within this field is limited. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in children aged 1 through 14 years. For each child who completes the act of suicide, there are at least 50 more who attempt it. It is difficult to collect statistics on suicide in children owing to the lack of standard criteria for determining suicide in this age group and the myths that surround childhood suicide deaths. Children of all ages, including infants, can experience depression, but it will be manifested differently across each age group, especially from the infant to the school-aged child. Factors that identify children at risk for suicide include family history, loss of a loved one before the age of 12, violence, decreased family ties, and increased family pressures. Prevention strategies need to be accessible to the child both at home and in school. A variety of community-based suicide prevention programs are available for children and adults to assist children in overcoming suicidal feelings.