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Separation Practices in Children and Adolescents Admitted for Suicidal Behavior: A National Survey of French Psychiatrists

Authors :
Maymouna Mourouvaye Payet
Nicolas A. Bonfils
Lisa Ouss
Lola J. Fourcade
Marie Touati-Pellegrin
Bernard Golse
Jérémie F. Cohen
Laure Woestelandt
Source :
Frontiers in Pediatrics, Vol 10 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
Frontiers Media S.A., 2022.

Abstract

ObjectivesTo assess practices of French psychiatrists regarding their management of children and adolescents with suicidal behaviors, focusing on the use of a separation protocol in which the youths are separated from their relatives.MethodsIn 2017, we conducted an online cross-sectional survey of French psychiatrists caring for children and adolescents. Participants were asked to describe their practice of a separation protocol in children and adolescents admitted for suicidal behavior. Our main analysis followed a descriptive approach. We also explored whether participant characteristics were associated with the use of a separation protocol.ResultsThe response rate was 218/2403 (9,1%); 57.9 % of respondents worked in a University hospital, and 60% of respondents reported routinely hospitalizing children. A separation protocol was set up by 91.1% of survey participants (systematically 39.6%, on a case-by-case basis 51.5%). The mean age from which a separation protocol was indicated was above 11 years; 64% of participants reported a separation period of ≤ 48 h. The most common (87%) criterion cited for establishing a separation period was family relationship difficulties. The most common (80.9%) reason to justify the use of a separation protocol was to allow a better clinical assessment. Exploratory analyses did not identify any participant characteristics associated with the use of a separation protocol (p > 0.2 for all).ConclusionThe use of a separation protocol in children and adolescents admitted for suicidal behavior is a widespread practice in France, despite the deprivation of liberty it implies. This raises the question of the relevance and usefulness of such a practice.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
22962360
Volume :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Frontiers in Pediatrics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.783d0af782f3426d98d26921c5fc2121
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2022.860267