Self-poisoning suicide attempts among students in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: This study aim was to describe the epidemiology of intentional self-poisoning among students.

Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on self-poisoned students admitted to Loghman-Hakim Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Variables studied included age, sex, substance abuse, personal history, familial history and the immediate precipitant for the suicide attempt.

Results: A total of 248 students (200 F and 48 M) studied. The mean age was 16.3+/-1.42 years. Self poisoning with a pharmaceutical agent was the most common attempt modality (87.5%). The most common precipitant for the suicide attempt was family conflict (54.4%), followed by romantic disappointment (29.4%). The most common psychiatric disorders were adjustment disorder (84.3%). and depression (18.1%).

Conclusion: The emphasis in student suicide prevention programs must be on early identification of students at risk, and appropriate treatment of episodes of psychopathology.