Introduction

Suicide has long been recognised as a societal phenomenon as well as an individual one (Durkheim, 1970) and national strategies have been developed to address this (Department of Health, 2002).

Approximately 7–14% of adolescents harm themselves at some point; 20% will think seriously about it (Madge et al,2008; O'Connor et al2009), representing a considerable workload for CAMHS, both numerically and in terms of the risk posed and anxiety generated, and it is recognised that many such young people do not even reach the attention of health services (Hawton & Rodham, 2006). The most common forms of self-harm are cutting, scoring, scratching, overdosing and less commonly burning or punching. Most young people describe that they self-harm to forget about stress, relieve anxiety and, less commonly, to kill themselves (Young et al, 2007).

Most are not suffering from mental illness, although it is the responsibility of CAMHS to assess and treat these young people, as well as the anxiety engendered in others. Around 0.5–1% of young people who present following an episode of self-harm complete suicide, and 40% of those who survive a first attempt will repeat it; CAMHS should aim to reduce these figures.

Such young people may be referred to a CAMHS at a number of points in the cycle of self-harm (Box 17.1). Clinical and epidemiological information is readily available to inform practice in the management of self-harm (Rutter, 1990; Kerfoot et al,1996; Meltzer et al,2001; Wood et al,2001; Gould et al,2003; Fox & Hawton, 2004).

Providing a service

The assessment of the young person who has primarily self-harmed should be regarded as part of the everyday work of CAMHS. A speedy response can help alleviate anxieties. Competence, calmness and clarity of thinking is more important than the professional background of the assessor.