BACKGROUND: Self-injury is a neglected area of self-harm research and we know little about its epidemiology, hospital care and outcome. Aims To provide epidemiological data on self-injury and compare hospital management of self-injury with that for self-poisoning. METHOD: Data were collected on all self-harm attendances to the general hospitals in Leeds over an 18-month period. RESULTS: People attending hospital for self-injury or self-poisoning do not form mutually exclusive groups. There were higher proportions of self-injury episodes compared with self-poisoning, where a history of self-harm or contact with mental health services had been recorded. Fewer psychosocial assessments were carried out after episodes of self-injury compared with self-poisoning but, when they were, follow-up was recommended more often. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical importance of self-injury is not mirrored by the level of psychosocial assessment and after-care provided.
BACKGROUND:Self-injury is a neglected area of self-harm research and we know little about its epidemiology, hospital care and outcome. Aims To provide epidemiological data on self-injury and compare hospital management of self-injury with that for self-poisoning. METHOD: Data were collected on all self-harm attendances to the general hospitals in Leeds over an 18-month period. RESULTS:People attending hospital for self-injury or self-poisoning do not form mutually exclusive groups. There were higher proportions of self-injury episodes compared with self-poisoning, where a history of self-harm or contact with mental health services had been recorded. Fewer psychosocial assessments were carried out after episodes of self-injury compared with self-poisoning but, when they were, follow-up was recommended more often. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical importance of self-injury is not mirrored by the level of psychosocial assessment and after-care provided.
Authors: Anne E Rhodes; Jennifer Bethell; Julie Spence; Paul S Links; David L Streiner; R Liisa Jaakkimainen Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2008-05-29 Impact factor: 4.328
Authors: Marc Ziegenbein; Christoph Anreis; Bernhard Brüggen; Martin Ohlmeier; Stefan Kropp Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2006-11-22 Impact factor: 2.655