Citation

Saunders KE, Smith KA. Evid. Based Ment. Health 2016; 19(3): 69-72.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Cognitive Health Clinical Research Facility, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/eb-2016-102420

PMID

27436413

Abstract

Self-harm is a major public health concern and a risk factor for future suicide. It predominantly occurs in young people with around 65% of self-harm occurring before the age of 35. Self-harm causes distress to families and is associated with poorer educational outcomes as well as increased health and social care costs. Repetition is common with a quarter of individuals presenting to hospital with a further episode of self-harm within a year. We review the evidence from randomised controlled trials of treatments for self-harm, focusing on pharmacological and psychological approaches. We then contrast this with the current observational evidence and reflect on the challenges and limitations of randomised controlled trials for the treatment of self-harm.

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Language: en