Teenagers use ARVs to attempt suicide

Katharine Child

TEENAGERS overdosing on antiretrovirals in order to end their lives is becoming a trend. This is according to psychiatrist Dr Helen Clark, who works at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto. She said teenagers who tried to commit suicide were often impulsive and would use whatever was available to them. Her clients had used rat poison, cleaning supplies, pills and lately their caregivers’ antiretrovirals. Many times, Clark said, suicide attempts weren’t noticed, even though they were a cry for help.Parents were often surprised to learn their child was considering ending his or her life, she said.