Characteristics of Children and Adolescents Presenting to Accident and Emergency Departments With Deliberate Self Harm

The aim of this study was to provide a description of the characteristics of 100 children & adolescents presenting to the accident & emergency department with deliberate self harm. For 117 episodes of deliberate self harm, 9 repeaters were responsible for 22% of the attendances; 38% made use of emergency ambulance service; 69% were accompanied by immediate family & 21% presented alone; 74% presented within 3 hours of the attempt; 77% presented during weekdays. 92% had used a pharmaceutical drug. Further findings & implications are presented. (20 refs)