title: [Self-destructive behavior in African adolescents].
abstract: The purpose of this study was to analyze self-destructive behavior in adolescents in Senegal. Based on four case reports the authors stress the central importance of family breakdown in the process leading to this behavior as opposed to the first descriptions implicating an offense against the honor of the group. The vulnerability of teenagers in the absence of structural initiation is also advanced. Systematic intervention may be recommended in such cases.
authors.affiliation: Service de psychiatrie, CHU de Fann, BP 5097, Dakar, Fann, Sénégal. maindsy@sentoo.sn
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sylla
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ndiaye
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Sylla
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gueye
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior; D012675:Senegal; D012944:Social Support; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders