Self Harm

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

When someone intentionally damages or injures their body

Question 2

Why do people do it?

Answer 2

It is usually done as a way of coping or expressing overwhelming emotional distress. It is to punish themselves, express distress or relieve tension, can also be a cry for help

Question 3

What types of self harm are there? (6)

Answer 3

Cutting/burning the skin, punching/hitting themselves, poisoning with tablets/chemicals, misusing alcohol/drugs, starving/binging, excessively exercising

Question 4

When do people do it?

Answer 4

It is usually done in private and is hidden from everyone else

Question 5

Is it common?

Answer 5

The lifetime incidence in the UK is 5-6%

Question 6

Who does it affect?

Answer 6

It mainly affects 15-16 year olds, 10% of girls and 3% of boys

Question 7

What is the risk of self harm?

Answer 7

It increases the risk of suicide by 50-100 times

Question 8

Risk factors (5)

Answer 8

Other psychiatric problems e.g depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, drug/alcohol misuse; victims of domestic violence, socio-economic disadvantage, eating disorders, south-asian women

Question 9

Symptoms

Answer 9

Self-loathing

Question 10

Signs (8)

Answer 10

Unexplained cuts/bruises/cigarette burns, keeping covered even in hot weather, signs of depression, withdrawn, changes in eating habits, becoming secretive, hair pulling, signs of low self esteem

Question 11

Investigations

Answer 11

Psychiatric assessment by local mental health services

Question 12

Treatment (5)

Answer 12

Psychological intervention, CBT, Group therapy, Self-help therapies, Antidepressants can be used to help but shouldn’t be used as a specific therapy

Question 13

Is there a good prognosis?

Answer 13

Risk of repetition or later suicide is high, >5% of hospitalised self-harmers will commit suicide in 9 years, *self cutting portrays a greater risk of suicide than any other type of self-harm