Attention-deficit disorder emerges as major cause behind child suicide: Study

Washington D.C. [USA], Sept. 21 (ANI): A recent research has shown that young children, who die by suicide, are more likely to have attention-deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than depression. An analysis of a national database that tracks violent deaths showed that young children aged between 5 to 11 years were more likely to experience ADHD than depression/dysthymia as compared with children and adolescents aged between 12 to 14 years. Lead researcher Arielle H. Sheftall said, "The major message of the study is that the circumstances preceding suicide in children are, to a large extent, similar to those for suicide in early adolescents, with a few key exceptions that tend to fall along developmental lines." "For example, elementary school-aged children who died by suicide were more likely to experience problems with family or friends, and among those with a current mental health problem, were more likely to be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, whereas early adolescents who died by suicide were more likely to experience boyfriend or girlfriend problems and be diagnosed with depression or dysthymia," she added. The study was published in the Pediatrics journal. (ANI)