Deliberate Self-Poisoning and Self-Injury in Adolescents. A Study of Characteristics and Trends in Oxford, 1976-89

In Oxford during the late 1970s & early 1980s a decline in rates of deliberate self-poisoning & self-injury in older female teenagers was followed by a steady increase between 1986-89. Rates for male adolescents & younger females remained relatively stable. There has been a marked increase in paracetamol self-poisoning. Relationship difficulties were the most frequent problem faced by these adolescents, especially the females. Adolescent attempted suicide continues to be a major health problem.