Adolescent self-poisoning: a nine-year followup

Abstract

A 9-year followup was made of 47 adolescents initially hospitalized at ages 12 to 18 years in a psychiatric facility because of severe psychosocial dysfunction associated with an intentional self-poisoning. No deaths were disclosed as determined by an extensive telephone interview (15 subjects), report by the family (9 subjects), or death certificate search. The 15 subjects interviewed (14 females, 1 male) reported a total of 47 suicide gestures with a peak frequency at ages 14 to 15. There was a sharp decline after age 18, supporting the concept that self-poisoning is an age-related mode of expression. All subjects considered themselves better adjusted, with greater life satisfaction and improved interpersonal relationships; 80% had completed high school, and 93% were capable of stable employment. Functional adaptation was independent to the number of repeat poisonings or of the initial psychiatric diagnosis. All subjects attributed benefits to multiple support systems, particularly a strong relationship with at least one emotionally mature person, a more favorable environment--usually accomplished by moving out of their parents' house--achievement of education and employment skills, and economic independence.