Suicide and attempted suicide among Australian children

Abstract

We examined Australian figures for suicide and Western Australian figures for attempted suicide of children up to 14 years of age. The propor¬tions of children threatening or attempting suicide among referrals to child psychiatry outpatient clinics and among those admitted to a child psychiatry hospital are estimated. These figures provide some indication of the incidence and nature of suicidal behaviour among Australian children. There is a strong possibility the rates of suicide and attempted suicide among children are considerably under¬estimated. Attempted suicide in children is very serious.