Self Harm and Suicide

Question 1

Define deliberate self-harm

Answer 1

Intentional act of self-poisoning or self-injury irrespective of the motivation of apparent purpose of the act

Question 2

Methods of self-injury

Answer 2

Cutting, burning, hanging, stabbing, swallowing objects, shooting, jumping from heights or in front of vehicles

Question 3

Methods of self-poisoning

Answer 3

Medications (prescribed or OTC), illicit drugs, household substances, plant material

Question 4

Risk factors for deliberate self-harm

Answer 4

Divorced/single/living alone
Severe life stressors
Harmful drug/alcohol use
Less than 35 years
Chronic physical health problems
Domestic violence or childhood maltreatment
Socioeconomic disadvantage
Psychiatric illness

Question 5

Clinical features of deliberate self-harm

Answer 5

90% of cases are a result of drug overdose

• non-opioid analgesics - paracetamol, aspirin
• anxiolytics - benzodiazepines
• antidepressants

Question 6

Motives behind deliberate self-harm

Answer 6

Death wish
Relief - seeking unconsciousness or pain as means of temporary relief and escape from problems
Influencing others - influence another to change their views or behaviours
Punishment
Seeking attention - get help or seek attention

Question 7

Management of deliberate self-harm

Answer 7

Biological
- treating overdose with appropriate antidotes and suturing for deep lacerations
Psychological
- counselling
- CBT
Social
- social services input
- voluntary organisations