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Violent deliberate self-harm amongst adolescent refugees
1St Mary's Training Scheme in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Academic Unit of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Imperial College London, London, UK.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|May 9, 2006
Summary
Violent deliberate self-harm (DSH) is rare in adolescents, affecting 0.92% of cases. Female asylum seekers with trauma were more prone to affective and PTSD diagnoses, unlike males with conduct and substance issues.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Mental Health Research
- Forensic Psychiatry
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a significant concern in adolescent mental health.
- Understanding the specific characteristics of violent DSH is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of violent deliberate self-harm (DSH) among adolescents.
- To compare the profiles of adolescents exhibiting violent DSH based on gender and background.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing records of adolescent attendees at child and adolescent mental health clinics in North West London over a 3-year period.
- Inclusion criteria focused on cases of deliberate self-harm (DSH).
Main Results:
- Nine cases (0.92%) of violent DSH were identified out of 982 total DSH cases.
- Five female asylum seekers with war-related trauma showed higher rates of affective disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Four male participants, not asylum seekers, had higher rates of conduct and substance misuse disorders.
Conclusions:
- Violent deliberate self-harm (DSH) is infrequent in adolescent mental health clinic attendees.
- Distinct clinical profiles exist between male and female adolescents engaging in violent DSH, particularly concerning asylum seekers and trauma exposure.
- These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches in managing adolescent DSH.
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