RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Associated Psychiatric Disorders in Children Hospitalized for a Serious Suicide Attempt

This study is about understanding why children might make serious attempts to take their own lives. Over the last 15 years, and made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been an increase in such incidents. Doctors know that serious attempts often hint at underlying mental health issues. This research aims to understand the specific development and mental health patterns in children who have made very serious attempts. Because these attempts can be very dangerous, finding out more about them is incredibly important. The study particularly looks at early childhood experiences and how strong their emotional connections to others are, which could be linked to these behaviours.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Aug 2022

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2028

Serious Suicide Attempt

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a very serious and sensitive topic: why some children make attempts to take their own lives. Over the past 15 years, doctors and researchers have noticed a worrying increase in these incidents, which has become even more of a concern since the COVID-19 pandemic. It's often thought that these attempts are linked to mental health difficulties, but we don't know much about the very serious attempts, especially in younger children.

The researchers want to understand more about the specific emotional and developmental profiles of children who have made these serious attempts. This includes looking at their behaviours and emotional growth in detail. They also want to explore whether early childhood experiences, particularly how children form bonds with their main caregivers (something called 'attachment'), might play a role. Understanding these links better could help doctors spot children at risk sooner and offer the right support.

The study is being carried out at a hospital in France (Necker-Enfants Malades) that treats many children who have had serious accidents, including those who have made serious attempts to harm themselves. This means the doctors there see a wide range of cases, which is very helpful for research. By asking questions using special surveys, they hope to get a clearer picture of these children's experiences and mental health conditions. No study like this has been done before, so it's a really important step towards helping these children.

Key takeaways

The study aims to understand why some children make serious attempts to harm themselves.
It's exploring children's mental health, emotional development, and early experiences.
Information is collected through questionnaires, not new treatments.
Participation is voluntary and will not affect your child's medical care.
The findings could help improve future support and prevention for children at risk.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for children aged 9 to 15 who have been admitted to Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital since January 1, 2016, because of a serious attempt to harm themselves. A 'serious attempt' means they needed to stay in hospital for more than 24 hours, or had special care like surgery, intensive care, or used very dangerous methods like falling from a height or using a firearm.

The study also includes a comparison group of children who are the same age and were in the hospital for an attempt that was not as serious. Everyone taking part, both the children and at least one parent, must be willing and give their permission after being told what the study involves. Children cannot have a learning disability (an IQ above 70 is needed) and must be able to understand and answer questions in French. Unfortunately, if they can't speak French well enough, or if they are too unwell to take part in the questionnaires, they won't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Is your child aged between 9 and 15 years old?
Was your child admitted to Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital after January 1, 2016, due to a serious attempt to harm themselves, or for a less serious attempt (for the comparison group)?
Does your child have an IQ above 70 (no intellectual disability)?
Can your child and at least one parent understand and speak French well enough to answer questions?
Are you and your child willing to take part in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child decides to take part in this study, the main thing involved is answering some questionnaires. These questionnaires will help the research team understand more about your child's emotional development and mental health experiences. There won't be any medication involved, and you won't need extra hospital visits just for the study. The doctors will use information gathered during your child's regular care at the hospital. The questionnaires will be given to the child and at least one parent or guardian during their hospital stay or follow-up, and the research team will explain everything fully beforehand. The total duration of participation will depend on when these questionnaires are completed.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't offer a direct medical benefit to your child right now, but the information gathered could significantly help other children in the future by improving our understanding of why some children make serious attempts to harm themselves. The main potential risk is that talking about sensitive topics in the questionnaires might be emotionally challenging for your child or for you. However, the study will be conducted by medical professionals, and you and your child have the right to skip any question or stop taking part at any time without it affecting their care. Your privacy will be protected, and all information will be kept confidential.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'serious suicide attempt' in this study?

It means the child needed to stay in hospital for over 24 hours, or had special care like surgery or intensive care, or used very dangerous methods like falling from a height.

Why is this study important for children?

It aims to better understand the reasons behind serious attempts by children to harm themselves. This knowledge could help doctors and families provide better support and prevent such incidents in the future.

Will my child have to take any new medicines?

No, this study does not involve any new medicines. It's about answering questionnaires to gather information.

What is 'attachment' and why is it part of the study?

Attachment is about how children form close bonds with their main caregivers. The study is exploring if early difficulties with these bonds might be linked to later mental health challenges, including serious attempts to harm oneself.

Can we stop participating after we've started?

Yes, you or your child can choose to stop participating at any time, for any reason, and it will not affect the care your child receives.

How to find out more

Mélisande Sansen, MD

melisande.sansen@aphp.fr 1 44 49 45 61 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.