Psychosocial Interventions Following Self-Harm: Systematic Review of Their Efficacy in Preventing Suicide

This study examined whether additional psychosocial interventions following an episode of self-harm reduce the likelihood of subsequent suicide. A systematic review & meta-analysis of data from randomised controlled trials was conducted. Likelihood of suicide was compared by calculating the pooled root difference in the suicide rate with 95% confidence intervals. Suicide data was obtained from 18 studies with a total population of 3918. 18 suicides occurred among people offered active treatment & 19 among those offered standard care. Results do not provide evidence that additional pscyhosocial interventions following self-harm have a marked effect on the likelihood of subsequent suicide. (38 refs.)