Suicidal Attempts by Ingestion of Various Substances in 2050 Children and Adolescents in Greece

Abstract

This study investigates suicidal attempts by ingestion of drugs or other chemicals in 2050 children and adolescents (312 boys and 1738 girls) under seventeen years of age as seen over a six year period, 1977–1982, at the Poison Control Center, “P.A. Kyriakou” Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece. Demographic, clinical, psychosocial and cultural data were presented and discussed. It is the authors' opinion that more attention should be paid to the increased incidence of suicidal attempts in younger persons and therefore the urgent need for early recognition and prevention of this event is necessary. This is the first broad study of its kind in Greece which reflects a segment of the psycho-biosocial developments in this country.