Related Experiment Videos
Thirteen-year follow-up of deliberate self-harm, using linked data
Summary
Individuals surviving deliberate self-harm (DSH) face a significantly elevated risk of readmission and mortality. This study highlights the critical need for interventions, particularly addressing alcohol misuse, for those with a history of DSH.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Study of a national cohort of individuals who survived an episode of deliberate self-harm (DSH).
- Investigation of subsequent admissions for DSH and mortality over a 13-year period.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term risk of readmission for DSH and mortality among survivors of an initial DSH episode.
- To identify patterns and risk factors associated with subsequent DSH and death.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a national cohort of 8304 individuals discharged from Scottish general hospitals with attempted suicide diagnoses (1981-1994).
- Employed the Scottish Linked Data Set for follow-up until the end of 1994.
- Compared mortality rates to the general Scottish population using person-years analysis.
Main Results:
- 31.6% of individuals were readmitted for further DSH episodes, with a median of 1 readmission (range 1-137).
- The observed to expected ratio for all-cause mortality was 2.26.
- Suicide and undetermined deaths were significantly elevated (observed:expected ratio 12.17), with increased accidental and homicide deaths noted in men.
Conclusions:
- Individuals hospitalized for attempted suicide are at high risk for recurrent DSH.
- Long-term cohort follow-up presents practical challenges.
- Healthcare services should prioritize interventions for alcohol misuse in individuals following DSH.