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Citation |
de Kloet L, Starling J, Hainsworth C, Berntsen E, Chapman L, Hancock K. Aust. N. Zeal. J. Psychiatry 2011; 45(9): 749-755. |
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Affiliation |
Walker Unit, Concord Centre for Mental Health , Hospital Road, Concord West, New South Wales 2138 , Australia. |
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Copyright |
(Copyright © 2011, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Publisher SAGE Publishing) |
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DOI |
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PMID |
21827346 |
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Abstract |
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for self-harm for children and adolescents in a mental health inpatient unit. Methods: A retrospective file audit of patient files over three years (2006-2009) was conducted to determine risk factors associated with self-harm in children and adolescents admitted to a mental health unit. A checklist of potential factors was based on risk factors found in a review of the literature including demographic information, diagnosis, home situation, environmental stressors, childhood trauma and previous mental health care. The study compared those who self-harmed with a control group who did not self-harm. Results: There were 150 patients who self-harmed (mean age 14 years) and 56 patients who did not self-harm with a mean age of 13 years. Several factors were identified that increased the likelihood of self-harm, including a diagnosis of depression, female gender, increasing age, being Australian-born, living with a step parent, not having received previous mental health care, having a history of trauma, and having other stressors including problems within the family. Conclusions: While increasing age, female gender, a history of trauma and a diagnosis of depression are well known as risk factors for self-harm, this study confirms that family factors, in particular living with a step parent, significantly add to the risk. Child and adolescent services should be aware of the increased risk of self-harm in young people with mental health problems who live in blended families. Treatment approaches need to involve parents as well as the child or young person. Language: en |