Parasuicide: Features of Repetition and the Implications for Intervention

Parasuicide is one of the commonest causes of admission to medical wards in the UK, in recent years, totalling up to 100,000 cases annually. Of these it is estimated that at least a third have reported a previous episode of self-harm & that 15-25% will repeat within 3 months. The public health impact of parasuicide is therefore substantial: the burden on casualty, general medical & psychiatry services is considerable & the risk of suicide is high. (21 refs.)