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Variation in deliberate self-harm around Christmas and New Year
1University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. helen.bergen@psych.ox.ac.uk
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|May 23, 2007
Summary
Deliberate self-harm (DSH) decreased during Christmas week but increased on New Year's Day for specific groups, including young people and those with relationship issues. Alcohol use was linked to increased DSH on New Year's Day.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Seasonal and temporal variations in suicide and self-harm are under-researched.
- Understanding these patterns is crucial for public health interventions.
- Previous studies have infrequently investigated holiday-specific self-harm trends.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine seasonal and temporal variations in non-fatal deliberate self-harm (DSH) during the Christmas and New Year period.
- To identify specific patient and demographic groups with distinct DSH patterns during holidays.
- To explore the interplay of social and individual factors in holiday-related DSH.
Main Methods:
- Autoregression analysis of 31,369 episodes of DSH from 19,346 individuals presenting to an Oxford Emergency Department (1976-2003).
- Controlled for day of the week, month, and year.
- Subgroup analyses were conducted for age, relationship status, social isolation, history of DSH, alcohol use, and suicide intent.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in DSH (-30% to -40%) were observed from December 19th to 26th (excluding the 23rd).
- Young people (<25 years) showed decreased DSH during Christmas and New Year.
- Patients with partner relationship problems increased DSH on New Year's Day (+100%); those using alcohol acutely increased DSH (+250%) on New Year's Day.
Conclusions:
- DSH patterns vary significantly during the Christmas and New Year period, influenced by social and individual factors.
- Specific groups, such as young people and those with relationship issues or acute alcohol use, exhibit unique holiday-related DSH trends.
- Findings have clinical implications for identifying at-risk populations and tailoring interventions during holiday seasons.
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