Individual risk factors for early repetition of deliberate self-harm

This study investigated individual factors associated with repetition of deliberate self-harm (DSH) within three months of a first-ever episode. Individuals from an 'at risk' population who repeated DSH (N = 25) were compared with a socio-demographically matched group of 'at risk' individuals who did not engage in a further episode of DSH (N = 18). In comparison with the 'single DSH' individuals, those in the 'repeated DSH' group demonstrated significantly higher levels of depression and hopelessness, were significantly less skilled at problem solving, were significantly less likely to report the availability of a confidante and significantly more likely to identify that the reason for their DSH was to communicate their desperation. The implications of these findings for risk assessment and interventions are noted.