Citation

Spender Q. Current Paediatrics 2005; 15(2): 120-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005)

DOI

10.1016/j.cupe.2004.12.009

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This practitioner review suggests an approach to adolescents who harm themselves, principally by self-poisoning or self-cutting. Such adolescents frequently pass through the care of paediatricians, who may feel they are not trained adequately to help them. Self-harm presents an important opportunity for secondary prevention of subsequent self-harm and suicide. To achieve this, all professionals in contact with such adolescents need to be aware of the pain and distress that lead them to a position where self-harm seems the only option. The practicalities of engagement, history-taking, observation and what to do next are discussed. Although informed by the latest guidelines, research and psychiatric understanding, the review is intended to be a practical guide based on personal experience. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; Adolescent; mental health; Risk assessment; Overdose; suicidal behavior; risk assessment; Self-injurious behaviour; Deliberate self-harm; review; automutilation; patient care; mental health service; self poisoning; patient referral; practice guideline; confidentiality; clinical protocol; anamnesis; outpatient care; Impulse control disorders; good clinical practice; Self-destructive behaviour