Self harm Flashcards

1
Q

What is the definition of self harm?

A

Intentional act of self-poisoning or injury – expression of emotional distress

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2
Q

How common is self harm?

A

Lifetime prevalence of 5-6% in the UK

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3
Q

What are the pathology of self harm?

A

• Includes physical injury, poisoning, misusing substances, anorexia, bulimia, excessively exercising

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4
Q

What are the risk factors/aetiology of self harm?

A
  • Stressful/emotional situations
  • Social problems e.g. bullying, difficult relationships, arranged marriage
  • Trauma e.g. abuse, miscarriage
  • Psychological e.g. hallucinations/delusions to harm themselves, disassociating, personality disorder
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5
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of self harm?

A
  • Behaviour e.g. self-cutting intended to cause harm
  • Ingesting a substance in excess
  • Ingesting recreational/illicit drugs
  • Ingesting a non-ingestible substance/object
  • Done in private/hidden
  • Unexplained cuts/burns
  • Keeping themselves covered at all times, inc. in hot weather
  • Depression signs/symptoms
  • Anxiety
  • Self-loathing/expressing wishes to punish themselves
  • Becoming withdrawn
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Changes in eating habits/weight loss or gain
  • Low self-esteem
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6
Q

What investigations are carried out for those who self harm?

A
  • Risk assessment

* Full mental health/social needs assessment

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7
Q

What are the pharmacological treatments for self harm?

A
  • Activated charcoal – given as early as possible, preferably within 1 hour of ingestion
  • Antidepressants – be cautious
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8
Q

What are the non pharmacological treatments for self harm?

A
  • Refer to A&E
  • Psychological intervention
  • CBT
  • Support organisations
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