Suicidal behavior i̇n children and adolescents with borderline i̇ntellectual functioning and i̇ntellectuel disability and associated risk factors

Suicidal Behavior İn Children And Adolescents With Borderline İntellectual Functioning And İntellectuel Disability And Associated Risk Factors Objective: We aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of the suicidal behavior in children and adolescents with borderline intellectual functioning and intellectuel disability (İD). Method: The sample was consisted of 207 children and adolescent with borderline intellectual functioning, mild and moderate İD, aged 8 to 18 who were referred to child and adolescent psychiatry department. Diagnoses were made according to DSM 5 and suicidal behaviors of patients who were questioned. Then, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) was administered to all patients by our clinical psychologist. Parents completed the sociodemographic questionnaire and the Turkish form of the Aberrant Behavior Cheklist (ABC). Results: It was determined that 22.7% (n:47) of the patients had suicidal ideation prior to or/and at the time of admission. 8.2% (n:17) of the patients had suicidal attempts in the past. Suicidal ideation was found significantly higher in adolescents than children. Presence of physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional neglect, mood disorder, enüresis, encopresis, using antipsychotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitör (SSRI) and multiple psychotropic drug were found to statistically significant effects on the suicide ideations of patients. Psychiatric illness history of family, substance abuse of family, sexual abuse, limited social support, psychiatric hospitalization, mood disorder, psychotic disorders, enüresis, encopresis, using antipsychotics, SSRI, mood stabilizators, benzodiazepines, at least two psychotropic drug, were determined to significantly increase the suicide attempt of patients. Aberrant behavior checklist-destructive behaviors, the other behaviors and total score were determined higher in both of groups which had suicid ideation and suicidal attempt. Conclusion: Suicidal behavior is quite common in children and adolescents with borderline intellectual functioning and intellectuel disability and many factors increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Our study reveals that should be done detailed psychiatric assessment and focused on the risk factors of this population. Key words: İntellectuel disability, suicidal behavior, children and adolescents