Suicide and attempted suicide among Australian children.

We examined Australian figures for suicide and Western Australian figures for attempted suicide of children up to 14 years of age. The proportions of children threatening or attempting suicide among referrals to child psychiatry outpatient clinics and among those admitted to a child psychiatry hospital are estimated. These figures provide some indication of the incidence and nature of suicidal behaviour among Australian children. There is a strong possibility the rates of suicide and attempted suicide among children are considerably underestimated. Attempted suicide in children is very serious.