Citation

Bhugra D, Thompson N, Singh J, Fellow-Smith E. Eur. J. Psychiatry 2004; 18(2): 91-98.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Departmento de Psiquiatria de la Facultad de Medicina de Zaragoza)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Previous studies have suggested that inception rates of deliberate self-harm (DSH) in Asian and other minority ethnic group adolescents are no different from those in the majority community. We report on socio cultural factors affecting adolescents who serf-harm in West London over a one-year period.

METHOD. All cases of adolescent DSH were approached to take part in the study. Using standardised and qualitative approaches, data were collected on reasons for the attempt, cultural identity and life events.

RESULTS. A total of 76 cases were identified over one year. The rates of attempted suicide were lower among Asians compared with whites contrary to our expectations. Patterns of attempted suicide showed that taking overdoses was the commonest phenomenon and the commonest precipitating factor irrespective of ethnicity was disagreement with parents. Overdoses were more likely to be impulsive in both groups. Asians were more likely to report culture conflicts even though the rates across the two groups are not different.

CONCLUSIONS. Any preventive strategies must include education and help in dealing with impulsive behaviour.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; sexual abuse; female; male; Adolescents; United Kingdom; school; suicide attempt; South Asia; qualitative research; drug overdose; Deliberate self-harm; article; major clinical study; controlled study; behavior disorder; automutilation; social problem; cultural factor; impulsiveness; academic achievement; information processing; ethnic difference; social class; qualitative analysis; time; home; communication disorder; Socio-cultural factors