Hospitalización por Intento de Suicidio en Adolescentes: Mirada retrospectiva de la experiencia y los cambios asociados.

Abstract

Background: Previous suicide attempt (SA) is the main risk factor for completed suicide. Psychiatric hospitalization is a therapeutic resource used in adolescents to protect their integrity. Aim: To describe and understand the experience of psychiatric hospitalization due to SA and the changes associated with it, from the perspective of adolescents involved. Method: Descriptive qualitative study that interviews 10 adolescents who were hospitalized for SA in a psychiatric center. Semi-structured interviews were coded according to Grounded Theory's open and axial coding criteria. Results: Two descriptive categories are presented: A) Hospitalization: “the worst thing that has happened to me in my life… but it had something positive”, and b) “Once outside, I think it helped me to change”. Then, a relational scheme that articulates both phenomena is presented, “from shock to reflective containment”. Conclusions: The experience of psychiatric hospitalization for SA constitutes an experience with a high existential impact, which offers possibilities to mobilize personal and family changes. Only after hospitalization adolescents visualize and develop these changes, adhering to the indicated treatments and family support. However, the indication and management of this therapeutic resource must be considered, to avoid associated risks.