This paper describes the findings from cases of Iranian children between the age of 6-15 who were attempted suicide.

This retrospective study was carried out using data from 292 cases (239 girls and 53 boys) aged 6-15 who attempted suicide and were referred to the Loghman Hakim Medical Centre poison Centre in Tehran, Iran between 2005 and 2008. The Children Suicide Questionnaire was applied.

The study showed that the percentage of girls who attempted suicide was 81.8% against 12.2% for boys. Most of them attempted suicide between the age of12-14 years. Approximately half (43%) of the children came from a poor socio-economic background, and 95% of suicide attempts took place in the home, and 55.5% between 6.00pm and 12.00 pm. 41% of the respondents reported cases of mental illness in their family. The study also showed that41.6% of the children had attempted suicide before, and 36.6% of them attempted suicide after a family argument.. Depression (28%) and epilepsy(27%) were the most cited cases of personal problems. The means used were antiepileptic drugs (23%), benzodiazepine (23%), and antidepressants (20%).

This study suggests the collaboration between paediatricians, psychiatrists and psychologists are necessary.