title: Child suicide in the north of Portugal.
abstract: Suicide in children is a rare finding and is probably motivated by acts of impulsiveness. This study aims to contribute to the characterization of child suicide in a forensic perspective in the Portuguese population. Data of forensic autopsies from 2004 to 2012 related to suicide victims under 18 years were reviewed. A total of 17 cases, with a male predominance (64.7%) and a mean age of 15.24 ± 1.348 for both genders, were registered. The leading suicide method was hanging (35.3%), and a suicide note was found in 41.2%. Psychological autopsy proved to be useful in promoting a better understanding of these incidents and their antecedents. This study also offers useful information, namely the implied risk factors, for future programs of suicide research and prevention.
authors: National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, North Branch, Jardim Carrilho Videira, Porto, Portugal; College of Health Technology of Porto, Rua Valente Perfeito 322, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
authors: Ricardo
authors: R
authors: Mendes
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Santos
authors: Francisco
authors: F
authors: Taveira
authors: Ricardo Jorge
authors: RJ
authors: Dinis-Oliveira
authors: Agostinho
authors: A
authors: Santos
authors: Teresa
authors: T
authors: Magalhães
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000401:mortality; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019838:Neck Injuries / Q000401:mortality; D011174:Portugal / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
keywords: adolescents; autopsy; children; forensic science; risk factors; suicide