Deliberate self-harm in children and adolescents: an 11-year case note study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicidal ideation are significant concerns in pediatric populations.
• Identifying predisposing factors is crucial for effective intervention and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To retrospectively analyze case notes of children and adolescents admitted for DSH or suicidal ideation.
• To identify underlying reasons and contributing factors (psychiatric, psychosocial, familial) for DSH in this age group.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of case notes for pediatric patients admitted with DSH or suicidal ideation (1993-2003).
• Data collection using a specific questionnaire covering demographics, clinical presentation, psychiatric history, and family circumstances.
• Recording of hospital stay and discharge planning details.

Main Results:

• 231 children (mean age 12.85, range 6-17) presented with suicidal ideation/behavior; female:male ratio 2.5:1.
• Overdose (81.2%) was the most common method, with paracetamol being the drug of choice.
• Over half expressed a wish to die (55.7%), and a significant proportion had prior ideation (51.8%) or attempts (31%).

Conclusions:

• DSH in young people is a substantial and increasing public health issue in Ireland.
• There is an urgent need for expanded focus on under-18s by national bodies and development of targeted services.
• Further research into childhood suicidal behavior is essential.