Citation

Spender Q. Paediatr. Child Health (2007) 2007; 17(11): 448-453.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.paed.2007.09.003

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 that they are not trained adequately to help them. The presentation of self-harm to health professionals provides an important opportunity for secondary prevention of repeated self-harm and suicide. To achieve this, all those 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 best coping strategy. 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. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; human; suicide; self-harm; self-injurious behaviour; deliberate self-harm; risk assessment; overdose; article; interpersonal communication; automutilation; observation; mental health service; patient referral; confidentiality; health practitioner; outpatient department; anamnesis; clinical assessment; work capacity; impulse control disorders; problem identification; self-destructive behaviour