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[Self harm in adolescents in Flanders]
L van Rijsselberghe1, G Portzky, C van Heeringen
1Eenheid voor Zelfmoordonderzock, Universteit Gent.
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie
|September 18, 2009
Summary
Deliberate self harm is more prevalent in Flanders than previously thought, with 7% of adolescents engaging in the behavior annually. Prevention campaigns and improved access to professional help are crucial for Flemish youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Adolescent Health
Context:
- Deliberate self harm is a significant predictor of suicide.
- Limited understanding of the epidemiology and circumstances surrounding non-medication-treatable self harm behaviors.
- The study focuses on adolescents in the general population of Flanders.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence, circumstances, and presentation of self harm among adolescents in Flanders using international data.
- To gain insights into adolescent self harm behaviors within the Flemish population.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study surveyed 4500 Flemish adolescents using anonymous self-report questionnaires.
- 10.4% reported lifetime self harm; 7% (4.1% males, 10.1% females) reported past-year self harm.
- Self harm was associated with family history, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. Help-seeking from adults and professionals was infrequent.
Impact:
- Deliberate self harm is more common in Flanders compared to other participating countries.
- There is a need for school-based prevention initiatives in Flanders.
- Reducing barriers to accessing professional help for adolescents is essential.
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