Deliberate self-poisoning in children.

ABSTRACT

This prospective study was aimed to analyze the nature of and the factors associated with deliberate self-poisoning in children below the age of 12 years. Children referred to the Child Guidance Clinic for evaluation after recovery from the effects of poisoning during the five-year period between 1999 and 2003 formed the subjects of the study. The children were evaluated for stress factors, psychiatric disorders and the nature and mode of deliberate self-poisoning. Deliberate self-poisoning constituted 0.9% of total admissions due to poisoning. There were 10 boys and 2 girls between the ages of 9 and 12 years. Both acute and chronic stress in the family and school were associated with deliberate self-poisoning. Majority of them had psychiatric disorders. Rat poison (zinc phosphide) was the commonest poison used. Two children got the idea from watching TV serials.