Of 55 psychiatrically hospitalized preadolescents with DSM-III-R diagnoses that are not commonly associated with language deficits, 60% were determined to have language or speech deficits, although only 38% had ever received speech or language therapy. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed and guidelines for practice outlined.

A structured interview measure of suicidal behavior and a questionnaire measure of family psychosocial climate were administered to 43 pre-adolescent psychiatric inpatients and their parents. Results showed that suicidal behavior tended to be associated with greater family conflict and with less family organization, cohesion, and achievement orientation.

Calls about suicide to a teen peer listening phone service over a period of 5 1/2 years are described. The majority of those calling about suicide were females. The phone contacts were of longer duration and later in the evening than calls about other concerns. Those concerned with suicide also discussed other serious issues such as self-esteem, family problems, substance use, and abuse and were less likely to be calling "just to talk."

No abstract

The prevalence of suicidal behavior displayed by preadolescent children hospitalized on inpatient psychiatric units is estimated to range between 18% and 80% of the population. The current study provides an independent estimate of the prevalence of this problem. A semistructured interview was used to assess suicidal behavior displayed by 61 admissions to a child psychiatric inpatient unit between April 1988 and September 1989. According to the Pfeffer Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale, 63% of the sample engaged in some form of suicidal behavior. Preadolescents and their parents reported similar rates of suicidal thoughts, threats and attempts. The dangerousness of recent suicidal behavior was not found to differ by age, sex, legal custody status or socioeconomic status.