Psychotic symptoms and suicidal behavior in hospitalized children.

Association of psychotic symptoms with suicidal behavior was studied in 90 hospitalized prepubertal children. Children with psychotic symptoms were more likely to have threatened or attempted suicide. The association of visual hallucinations with suicidal behavior was stronger than that of auditory hallucinations or psychotic ideation. The authors speculate that psychosis in general and visual hallucinations especially may be indicators of suicide risk among children.