NURSES DEALING WITH SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.1595242511065

• Palavras-chave: Self-destructive behavior; Mental health; Nursing; Child health; Adolescent health.

• Keywords: Self-destructive behavior; Mental health; Nursing; Child health; Adolescent health.

• Abstract:

  INTRODUCTION: The reasons for suicide are intricate and multifactorial, and can vary from culture, addictions, mental disorders, violence, social factors, family history, among others (Fiocruz, 2013). Among the multiple causes of suicide in children and adolescents are a history of self-harm attempts by the individual or family members, a history of mental disorders, bullying, situations of violence, sexual abuse, low self-esteem, situations of vulnerability or the use of alcohol and other drugs (Secretaria de Saúde, 2019). Nurses contribute to the care process for patients with autism, taking the whole patient into account. They provide care and take into account holistic health care, helping with mental, emotional and physical health, focusing on all contexts of life. OBJECTIVE: To describe how nurses deal with suicidal behavior in children and adolescents in mental health services. METHODOLOGY: This is an integrative review of the Brazilian literature, with a qualitative approach, from the last five years on the role of nurses in dealing with suicidal behavior in children and adolescents in health services. The search took place in the Virtual Health Library (VHL) and SciELO. The study sample consisted of 9 articles. The following Health Science Descriptors (DeCS) were used: "Suicide Attempt" and "Nursing". The articles selected were analyzed descriptively according to the assumptions of Ludke and André (1986). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Three categories were found: positive and negative care factors related to nursing professionals, factors related to attempted suicide in children and adolescents and mental health matrix support, which together demonstrate the competencies and weaknesses of nursing professionals in terms of care and assistance for children and adolescents with suicidal behavior. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The urgent need for specific training in mental health and psychiatry for nursing professionals was highlighted, given the lack of integration and continuity of care.