Background:  There has been little published about the nature and frequency of suicidal phenomena in children compared to that of adolescents. Method:  Standardised information on all presentations with suicidal phenomena to the Children’s University Hospital, Dublin from 2002 to 2008 were retrospectively analysed from a centralised database. Results:  During the time period of the study, 401 young people presented for assessment, of whom 21.9% (N = 88) were under 12 years of age. Children differed from adolescents in terms of gender distribution, method of self‐harm, and risk factors present. Conclusion:  Children under 12 are capable of displaying suicidal phenomena and differ considerably to adolescents in this regard.

Aims and methodThe provision of 24-hour specialist child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is a key target for service commissioners. However, a lack of data exist on models of service delivery or levels of need for out-of-hours specialist CAMHS to guide service development. We aim to describe a model of 24-hour service provision and provide information on the demand for and outcome of assessments of a service in Dublin, Ireland, using a 6-year retrospective case study design.ResultsA total of 468 emergency presentations occurred during the study period; 80% presented with self-harm or suicidal ideation. Two-thirds presented outside of working hours. All presentations received a specialist CAMHS consultation. Over 50% required admission to a paediatric ward and 80% required onward referral to specialist CAMHS.Clinical implicationsThere is a need for a 24-hour specialist CAMHS and this allows increased rates of specialist assessment and onward referral for a high-risk group.

No abstract

No abstract

There was a significant positive relationship (r = 0.791, p < 0.01) between the group's Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ)/Developmental Quotient (DQ) at Time 1 and at Time 2. Results indicated a significant increase in FSIQ/DQ over time for the total group and for both the High Functioning (IQ ⩾ 70) and Low Functioning (IQ < 70) groups. Of the total samples, 32% showed a clinically significant change in FSIQ/DQ of 15 points or more from Time 1 to Time 2. When age at Time 1 was included as a covariate, no significant difference was identified for change in FSIQ over time. The practical implications of the findings are discussed.