Atypical Suicide Attempt with Jugular Vein Laceration During Adolescence: A Case Report

• Main Authors: Daniela Cardoso, Rita Gonçalves
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: José de Mello Saúde 2020-03-01
• Series: Gazeta Médica
• Subjects: Adolescent; Jugular Veins/injuries; Self-Mutilation; Suicide, Attempted
• Online Access: https://www.gazetamedica.pt/index.php/gazeta/article/view/289

Self-harm is a common finding during adolescence and skin-cutting a frequent method of non-suicidal self-injury. However, suicide attempts with severe neck cutting injuries are infrequently reported. Here, we report in detail the case of an adolescent with no prior psychiatry history or self-harm behaviours who had a first suicide attempt with complete external jugular vein laceration. Careful psychiatric evaluation and history reveal exposure to significant adverse childhood experiences. Our aim with this case report is to illustrate and discuss the influence of trauma during early childhood and dissociative symptomatology in suicidal behaviour during adolescence.