Citation

Evans J, Evans M, Morgan HG, Hayward A, Gunnell D. Br. J. Psychiatry 2005; 187: 186-187.

Affiliation

Division of Psychiatry, University of Bristol, Cotham House, Cotham Hill, Bristol BS6 6JL, UK. j.evans j.evans@bristol.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.187.2.186

PMID

16055834

Abstract

No intervention has been shown to be effective in preventing repetition of self-harm. In the 6-month follow-up of a large randomised controlled trial, we previously reported no effectiveness of the provision of a card offering 24-h crisis telephone consultation on repetition of self-harm. However, there was a possible benefit among those presenting following a first episode (OR=0.64, 95% CI 0.34-1.22). Here we report the 12-month follow-up of the trial. The results confirm no overall benefit of the intervention (OR=1.19, 95% CI 0.85-1.67). Among those with a first episode of self-harm, the possible benefit of the intervention had diminished (OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.52-1.52), although a modest effect cannot be excluded.