Self-injury attendances in the accident and emergency department

Abstract

Background Self-injury is a neglected area of self-harm research and we know little about its epidemiology, hospital care and outcome. Aims To provide epidemiological data on self-injury and compare hospital management of self-injury with that for self-poisoning. Method Data were collected on all self-harm attendances to the general hospitals in Leeds over an 18-month period. Results People attending hospital for self-injury or self-poisoning do not form mutually exclusive groups. There were higher proportions of self-injury episodes compared with self-poisoning, where a history of self-harm or contact with mental health services had been recorded. Fewer psychosocial assessments were carried out after episodes of self-injury compared with self-poisoning but, when they were, follow-up was recommended more often. Conclusions The clinical importance of self-injury is not mirrored by the level of psychosocial assessment and after-care provided.