Outcomes of Self Harm in Adolescents

Researchers examined the outcomes of adolescents who self harm in a general population sample, and whether the outcomes differ according to self reported suicidal intent. Adolescents who self harm seem to be vulnerable to a range of adverse outcomes in early adulthood. Risks were generally stronger in those who had self harmed with suicidal intent, but outcomes were also poor among those who had self harmed without suicidal intent. These findings emphasize the need for early identification and treatment of adolescents who self harm.

Mars, B. (2014). Clinical and social outcomes of adolescent self harm: Population based birth cohort study. BMJ, 349. https://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g5954