Juárez OH, Barranco GM, Flores PJ, Flores PC, Acosta BM

Language: Spanish
References: 21
Page: 55-59
PDF size: 77.92 Kb.

ABSTRACT

This work presents an analysis of the information concerning the factors which lead children and adolescents to commit suicide with the use of medications. Some reports indicate that when children ingest a medication for that purpose, they may do it consciously or unconsciously, while they are not aware of the potential damage to their organism. Suicidal attempts with medications take place at home and are due to availability of drugs, usually consumed by other members of the family and are within their reach. The most common drugs taken to commit suicide are antidepressants, analgesics, antibiotics, anticonvulsivants and hypoglycemics. No previous report indicates whether the individuals had to buy the medications. We present two cases of adolescents who attempted suicide but were not successful. The study of these cases revealed that there were biological, psychological and social factors which predispose the suicidal attempt. This report is intended to alert the families of a potential suicidal individual and to implement precautionary measures that should be taken with a suicidal child or adolescent.

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