Changes in suicidal behavior in child psychiatric inpatients.

This study of 49 preadolescent psychiatric inpatients, aged 6-12 years, evaluated changes from the time of admission to 7 weeks later in ratings of suicidal behavior, assaultive behavior, depression, hopelessness, and global functioning. Standard research instruments were used to measure these variables. There were significant decreases in suicidal behavior, assaultiveness, and depression and a significant increase in global assessment during the 7 weeks of hospitalization. Severity of suicidal behavior and severity of assaultive behavior at admission predicted a subsequent change in level of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, severity of suicidal behavior at admission was the best indicator of a change in severity of suicidal behavior.