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Psychiatric Hospital Treatment of Suicidal Children
Author(s) -
Pfeffer Cynthia R.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/j.1943-278x.1978.tb00582.x
Subject(s) - girl , psychiatry , suicidal behavior , psychiatric hospital , fantasy , psychology , medicine , milieu therapy , suicidal ideation , suicide prevention , poison control , medical emergency , developmental psychology , art , literature
Three phases of psychiatric hospital treatment of children, ages 6 to 12 years, admitted to the hospital because of suicidal threats or suicidal attempts are described. Suicidal behavior in young children must always be taken seriously. Although suicidal behavior usually ceases upon hospitalization, suicidal ideas may continue to be expressed in play and fantasy. In addition to individual and milieu therapy, treatment must also include concomitant assistance of the parents. The treatment procedures are illustrated by suicidal case examples of a depressed girl, an acting‐out boy, and a psychotic boy.