The management of parasuicide in adolescents.

Recent research has disclosed that conduct disorders make up one of the most common conditions currently seen in child and adolescent psychiatric clinics. Epidemilogical studies also show a steady increase in the incidence of both conduct disorders and adolescent parasuicide, although rates vary from area to area. A study undertaken during 1978 on patterns of parasuicide revealed its second highest incidence to be within the age group 10--19 years. A significant percentage of these episodes in adolescents was diagnosed as conduct disorders. There may be a relationship between conduct disorders, parasuicide in adolescence, and our modern technocratic society with its 'growth in rapid change', although the precise nature of this relationship remains to be elucidated. Guidelines for management are presented, based on the dynamics of suicidal behaviour. Because of the shortage of child psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and treatment facilities, specifically for adolescents, the primary care physician still often finds himself in the front line of the management of parasuicide.