Peer-reviewed article
Suicide in adolescence
Zartaloudi A, Kalligeri E ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This peer-reviewed clinical case study examines suicidal ideation and behavior in a 16-year-old girl admitted to a psychiatric hospital. The adolescent presented with active suicidal ideation following sexual abuse, and exhibited self-destructive behaviors including self-harm and serious suicide attempts during hospitalization. The case highlights how trauma from abuse can manifest as severe psychiatric and behavioral disturbance in adolescents. The authors argue that documenting such cases can improve awareness and prevention of adolescent suicide.
Key points
- Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people worldwide
- The 16-year-old patient had active suicidal ideation stemming from sexual abuse
- During hospitalization, the patient exhibited self-destructive behaviors including swallowing objects, skin scarring, and suicide attempts by hanging
- The patient's emotional and behavioral status was unstable and unpredictable
- Clinical case documentation may contribute to improved prevention and treatment awareness
Limitations
This is a single clinical case study with no comparison group or broader population data, so findings cannot be generalized beyond this individual patient. The document does not provide information about outcomes, treatment interventions, or long-term follow-up.
Abstract
Introduction Suicide is one of the most common causes of death among young people worldwide. Adolescence is an important developmental period of life due to the increased risk of suicide and the prevalence of psychiatric disorders. Objectives To explore the suicidal ideation, intentions and risk factors of adolescents. Methods A clinical case study presentation will be performed. Results An adolescent female, aged of 16 years old, was admitted to the Department of Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents of a General Hospital, diagnosed with behavioral and emotional disorder and active suicidal ideation on ground of sexual abuse. During her hospitalization, she exhibited self-destructive behaviour by swallowing objects or causing extensive skin scarring as well as serious suicide attempts by hanging. Her emotional and behavioral status was unstable and unpredictable. The adolescent had repeatedly expressed her will to escape from an unbearable life. Conclusions The results of the presentation of our clinical case could contribute to the improvement of awareness regarding suicidal behavior in adolescence, which might have a significant effect on the prevention and treatment of this potentially lethal condition. Disclosure No significant relationships.