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Erschienen in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 2/2016

01.02.2016 | Original Paper

Self-harm and life problems: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

verfasst von: Ellen Townsend, Jennifer Ness, Keith Waters, Navneet Kapur, Pauline Turnbull, Jayne Cooper, Helen Bergen, Keith Hawton

Erschienen in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Ausgabe 2/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

Self-harm is a major clinical problem and is strongly linked to suicide. It is important to understand the problems faced by those who self-harm to design effective clinical services and suicide prevention strategies. We investigated the life problems experienced by patients presenting to general hospitals for self-harm.

Methods

Data for 2000–2010 from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England were used to investigate life problems associated with self-harm and their relationship to patient and clinical characteristics, including age, gender, repeat self-harm and employment status.

Results

Of 24,598 patients (36,431 assessed episodes), 57 % were female and with a mean age of 33.1 years (SD 14.0 years), 92.6 % were identified as having at least one contributing life problem. The most frequently reported problems at first episode of self-harm within the study period were relationship difficulties (especially with partners). Mental health issues and problems with alcohol were also very common (especially in those aged 35–54 years, and those who repeated self-harm). Those who repeated self-harm were more likely to report problems with housing, mental health and dealing with the consequences of abuse.

Conclusions

Self-harm usually occurs in the context of multiple life problems. Clinical services for self-harm patients should have access to appropriate care for provision of help for relationship difficulties and problems concerning alcohol and mental health issues. Individualised clinical support (e.g. psychological therapy, interventions for alcohol problems and relationship counselling) for self-harm patients facing these life problems may play a crucial role in suicide prevention.
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Metadaten
Titel
Self-harm and life problems: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England
verfasst von
Ellen Townsend
Jennifer Ness
Keith Waters
Navneet Kapur
Pauline Turnbull
Jayne Cooper
Helen Bergen
Keith Hawton
Publikationsdatum
01.02.2016
Verlag
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Erschienen in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Ausgabe 2/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Elektronische ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1136-9

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