Deliberate Self-Harm in Adolescents: a Study of Characteristics and Trends in Oxford, 1990-2000

Using data from the Oxford Monitoring System for Attempted Suicide, the authors examined trends & characteristics in adolescents aged 12-18 years presenting to a general hospital because of deliberate self-harm (DSH) between 1990 & 2000. An association of DSH with school stress was suggested by the findings. Self-poisoning was involved in more than 90% of episodes. Suicide intent was found to be higher in males, & problems faced by adolescents showed marked gender & age differences. Implications are discussed. (31 refs)