Youths who intentionally practise self-harm. Review of the recent research 2001-2004

This is a review of the recent research into children and adolescents, who commit self-harm and how this is related to suicide attempts. The research indicated several types of self-harming. It has been noted by a number of investigators that it is more common for girls to carry out intentional self-harming. Many of these girls considered suicide, but this was not always the case and it was difficult to disentangle the two. It is therefore necessary to take this type of behaviour very seriously and protect anyone with this proclivity. The most common methods of self-harming are self-poisoning, overdosing, cutting and in some cases jumping from high places. Among the reasons for such behaviour are attention-getting, the releasing of negative emotions and conflicts often to do with family and relationships and sexual problems. When considering care and therapy it is vital to safeguard such young people from their own inclinations as self-harming and suicide are often closely related. Many suffer from depression, anxiety, impulsivity, low self-esteem and suicidal ideation. It is vital always to err on the side of caution, since over-protection and intensive monitoring is preferable to the tragedy of suicide.