title: Parasuicide among youth in a general hospital in South Africa.
abstract: Parasuicide cases among youth (15-24 years) referred to the clinical psychology section of a regional hospital from 1995 to 1998 were reviewed. In all 100 cases (37 males and 63 females) were identified being about 10% of the caseload. As part of the clinical psychological assessment sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, trigger factors, employed methods and suicide intentions were analysed. Most patients were students (79%) or unemployed (16%). The major method employed to attempt suicide was ingestion of harmful substances (like paraffin, pesticides or battery acid)(73%). Acute social conflicts (38%), socio-economic deprivation (17%), AIDS phobia (17%), academic failure (14%), teenage pregnancy (10%) and mental illness (5%) triggered suicide attempts. Fifty-eight percent of the attempts were categorised as demonstrative and 27% as genuine. The psychodynamics of parasuicides are discussed in case studies and with reference to other studies.
authors.affiliation: Student Councelling Centre, University of Venda.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mhlongo
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Peltzer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000298:Adolescent, Hospitalized / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013019:South Africa; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*