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Trends in deliberate self-harm in Oxford, 1985–1995

Implications for clinical services and the prevention of suicide

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Keith Hawton ,
Joan Fagg ,
Sue Simkin ,
Elizabeth Bale  and
Alison Bond
Keith Hawton*
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Joan Fagg
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Sue Simkin
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Elizabeth Bale
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
Alison Bond
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford
*
Professor Keith Hawton, University Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, Oxford OX3 7JX
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Abstract

Background

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) has been a major health problem in the UK for nearly three decades. Any changes in rates of DSH or the demographic characteristics of the patient population are likely to have important implications for clinical services and suicide prevention.

Method

Data collected by the Oxford Monitoring System for Attempted Suicide were used to review trends in DSH between 1985–1995

Results

There was a substantial increase in DSH rates during the 11-year study period, with a 62.1% increase in males and a 42.2% increase in females. The largest rise was in 15–24-year-old males (+194.1%). Changes in DSH rates correlated with changes in national suicide rates in both males and females in this age group. Rates of repetition of DSH increased in both genders during the study period. Paracetamol self-poisoning has continued to increase, half of all overdoses in 1995 involving paracetamol, and antidepressant overdoses have become more common.

Conclusions

The increase in DSH, especially in young males, has important implications for general hospital DSH and medical services. It may herald a reversal of recent progress towards achievement of national suicide targets.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 171 , Issue 6 , December 1997 , pp. 556 - 560
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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