[Poisoning as a method of suicide in children and adolescents].

The number of suicides by children and juveniles has remained similar or even slightly reduced in the last 5 years. This correlates with the constancy or slight reduction in the number of the under-20-years population over this period. Comparison with deaths due to suicide in Prussia (1894-1897) indicates that suicide in children and juveniles is not more common today than it was nearly a hundred years ago. Hanging and suffocation are the most frequent means, followed by poisoning. Less common are jumping from a height, shooting, drowning or stabbing. Cause of the suicide attempt is usually a disturbed relationship to a partner. Acute quarrel with parents dominates. The psychopathological background is abnormal reactions to experience and abnormal reactions to conflict. Neurosis and psychosis or infantile reactions are much less common.