Suicidal ideation and acts of self-harm among Dublin school children.

The purpose of this study is to ascertain rates of suicidal ideation and self-harm in a classroom population of 13- and 14-year-old children using a screening questionnaire and to confirm accuracy of these screening results by home interview. There were significant differences between suicidal ideation rates at screening and at home interview (44% vs. 29%) and between self-harm rates (8% vs. 2%). Those with suicidal ideation at home interview believed more in a "right to suicide" and believed suicidal ideation to be more widespread among adolescents. School factors were believed by respondents to be important in the causation of adolescent suicide. Fewer than one-fifth would advise consultation with a psychiatrist to a suicidal friend.