SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ACTS OF SELF-HARM AMONG DUBLIN SCHOOL-CHILDREN

The purpose of this study is to ascertain rates of suicidal ideation a nd self-harm in a classroom population of 13 and 14-year-old children using a screening questionnaire and to confirm accuracy of these scree ning results by home interview. There were significant differences bet ween suicidal ideation rates at screening and at home interview (44% u s. 29%) and between self harm rates (8% us. 2%). Those with suicidal i deation at home interview believed more in a ''right to suicide'' and believed suicidal ideation to be more widespread among adolescents. Sc hool factors were believed by respondents to be important in the causa tion of adolescent suicide. Fewer than one-fifth would advise consulta tion with a psychiatrist to a suicidal friend. (C) 1998 The Associatio n for Professionals in Services for Adolescents.