P-265 - Suicide attempt and suicidal ideation - different age, different diagnosis

Introduction The study of suicidal behavior among minors has to date focused on the age group in which it is more prevalent: adolescents. Aims We hypothesized that suicidal behavior in children stems from a different diagnosis than suicidal behavior in adolescents and thus merits its own investigation. Method We studied all minors who were referred to a psychiatric emergency department (ED) due to a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation (266 referrals) over a three year period. Result There was an age- related difference in diagnostic distribution among minors who were referred to the ED due to suicidal behavior (χ 2 (7) = 24.297, p Conclusion The findings of this study highlight the need for a separate approach to suicidal behavior in children as distinct from adolescents.