Citation

Arensman E, Sullivan C, Corcoran P, Farrow R, Keeley HS, Perry IJ. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 48-49.

Affiliation

National Suicide Research Foundation, 1 Perrott Avenue, College Road, N/A Cork, Ireland. (Ella.nsrf@iol.ie)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16963920

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the psychosocial factors associated with repeated deliberate self harm (DSH) in adolescents aged 15 to 17. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 3,830 Irish students, using an anonymous, internationally validated self-report questionnaire, as part of the Child and Adolescent Self-Harm in Europe (CASE): 2003-2004. Results: A lifetime history of DSH was reported by 333 (9.1%) of the adolescents surveyed. Only 11.3% of adolescents had ever presented to hospital after harming themselves. DSH was more common among females (18.5%, 95% CI, 15.2%-21.8%) than males (6.2%, 95% CI, 3.9%-8.4%). Of the teenagers who had harmed themselves, nearly half (45.9%) had a history of previous DSH. Repeated DSH was more common in those with high levels of depressive symptoms (OR=2.27, 95% CI 1.01-5.09). Knowing of friends who had engaged in DSH was significantly associated with repetition (OR=1.96, 95% CI 1.14-3.35). Conclusions: The survey provides evidence for the effect of imitative behaviour in relation to repeated DSH in teenagers. Taking into account that only a minority come to the attention of health care services, the findings of this survey underline the need to prioritize mental health issues in relation to young people in Ireland.

Language: en