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Deliberate self-harm in young people: attendance at a paediatric emergency department

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Sophia Morgan ,
Sinead Byrne ,
Carole Boylan ,
Stephen McLearie  and
Carol Fitzpatrick
Sophia Morgan
Affiliation:
St Frances' Clinic, The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Sinead Byrne
Affiliation:
St Frances' Clinic, The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Carole Boylan
Affiliation:
St Frances' Clinic, The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Stephen McLearie
Affiliation:
St Frances' Clinic, The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
Carol Fitzpatrick*
Affiliation:
St Frances' Clinic, The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin 1, Ireland
*
*Correspondence E-mail: cfitzpatrick@mater.ie
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Abstract

Objectives: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is the strongest predictor of suicidal behaviour. This retrospective study reviewed all DSH presentations to our Paediatric Emergency Department between 2002-2006.

Method: Using database and medical records we profiled these presentations. Data was coded and statistically analysed.

Results: There were 253 DSH attendances. Twenty-four percent were living in care, 15% were under 12 years and 14% presented more than once. Overdoses (61%) were more common than cutting (16%) and 56% had a psychiatric condition.

Conclusions: DSH presents an ongoing challenge to child and adolescent mental health services and those working in suicide prevention. Identifying the characteristics of these young people is essential to providing appropriate treatment for this high-risk group.

Keywords

Deliberate self-harmChildrenAdolescentsSuicidal behaviour
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 26 , Issue 3 , September 2009 , pp. 114 - 118
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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