Clinical and epidemiological profile of adolescent suicide attempters in Morocco: a 10-year retrospective study from the adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit in Casablanca

Abstract Background Suicidal behavior is increasing in Morocco and is affecting increasingly younger populations. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of adolescents admitted for suicidal attempt to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at the University Hospital Center of Casablanca. Methods We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study involving 86 adolescent suicide attempters admitted to the Adolescent psychiatric inpatient unit of the Child and Adolescent psychiatry department of Casablanca, over a 10-year period, from February 2012 to June 2022. Results A total of 86 adolescents were included, with a sex ratio of 0.13 and a mean age of 15.03 ± 1.35 years. Two-thirds had a history of multiple suicide attempts, and 78.8% experienced recurrence within the same year. Intentional drug overdose was the most frequently used method, while violent methods were employed in 62% of cases, primarily jumping from a height in 23.3% ( n = 20). A hospitalization peak occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. A diagnosis of major depressive disorder was identified in 91.7% of the patients. Abuse, regardless of type, was present in 94.5% of cases and was significantly associated with multiple suicide attempts ( p = 0.04). The use of violent suicide methods was significantly associated with the presence of major depressive disorder ( p = 0.007), abuse ( p = 0.02), and peer difficulties ( p = 0.006). Conclusion A notable finding was the use of violent suicide methods among adolescent females, primarily jumping from a height. Abuse was a major risk factor for both repeated attempts and violent methods, while major depressive disorder was specifically linked to violent methods. These results highlight the importance of a thorough assessment of at-risk adolescents and adopting a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to their care.