[Suicidal attempt in a school-aged patient and related factors: a case report].

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a public health problem, which has increased in recent years, becoming a serious cause of mortality, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. Suicidal behavior is infrequent before adolescent years, various related factors have been described. The purpose of this work is to describe the case of a patient in school age who attempted suicide and the identified factors that might have contributed.

Clinical case: Nine-year-old male attempted suicide by hanging in the bathroom, endangering his life. He received emergency attention and hospitalized in intensive care. During his hospitalization, the mental health service approached him. Amongst the factors previously associated with suicidal intent during school age and identifiable in the patient are family disintegration, symptoms of major depression episodes, reading-related learning difficulties and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The patient received treatment and follow up consultation, without showing any suicidal behavior up to this date. The patient is currently 13 years old.

Conclusions: It must be recognized that children of school age can present suicidal behavior. It is important to acknowledge the factors associated with this kind of behavior, to reduce risks and provide an opportune attention and handling.