Year: 2009 Source: British Journal of Psychiatry, v.194, no.3, (March 2009), p.266-272 SIEC No: 20100258

The characteristics of United Kingdom armed forces personnel presenting to a general hospital between 1989-2003 following self-harm were investigated & compared with matched controls who had self-harmed. 166 armed forces personnel presented with self-harm during the study period; 72.3% were male. Nearly two-thirds were under age 25. Fewer armed forces personnel than controls had evidence of current or past psychiatric disorders or treatment or a prior history of self-harm, & their suicidal intent was lower (males only). Self-harm by armed forces personnel may often be a response to interpersonal & employment problems complicated by alcohol misuse. (22 refs.)

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