Self-injury attendances in the accident and emergency department: Clinical database study.
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.


METHODS
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.
Horrocks
Judith
J
Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Behavioural Services, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Price
Sally
S
House
Allan
A
Owens
David
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004630:Emergencies; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D006760:Hospitalization; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy