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Repeat Self-Harm Following Hospital-Presenting Intentional Drug Overdose among Young People—A National Registry Study

Author

Listed:
  • Caroline Daly

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland)

  • Eve Griffin

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland
    School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland)

  • Elaine McMahon

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland
    School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland)

  • Paul Corcoran

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland
    School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland)

  • Roger T. Webb

    (NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK
    Division of Psychology & Mental Health, Centre for Mental Health and Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK)

  • Katrina Witt

    (Orygen, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia)

  • Darren M. Ashcroft

    (NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK
    Division of Pharmacy & Optometry, Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester M13, UK)

  • Ella Arensman

    (National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork 021, Ireland
    School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork 021, Ireland
    Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Queensland 4122, Australia)

Abstract

Background: The incidence of hospital-presenting self-harm peaks among young people, who most often engage in intentional drug overdose (IDO). The risk of self-harm repetition is high among young people and switching methods between self-harm episodes is common. However, little is known about their patterns of repetition and switching following IDO. This study aimed to investigate repeat self-harm and method-switching following hospital-presenting IDO among young people. Methods: Data from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland on hospital-presenting self-harm by individuals aged 10–24 years during 2009–2018 were examined. Cox proportional hazards regression models with associated hazard ratios (HRs), survival curves and Poisson regression models with risk ratios (RRs), were used to examine risk factors for repetition and method-switching. Results: During 2009–2018, 16,800 young people presented following IDO. Within 12 months, 2136 young people repeated self-harm. Factors associated with repetition included being male (HR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03–1.24), aged 10–17 years (HR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18–1.41), consuming ≥ 50 tablets (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07–1.49) and taking benzodiazepines (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.40–1.98) or antidepressants (HR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.56). The cumulative risk for switching method was 2.4% (95% CI: 2.2–2.7). Method-switching was most likely to occur for males (RR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.09–1.69) and for those who took illegal drugs (RR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.19–2.25). Conclusion: Young males are at increased risk of repeat self-harm and method-switching following IDO and the type and quantity of drugs taken are further indicators of risk. Interventions targeting IDO among young people are needed that ensure that mental health assessments are undertaken and which address access to drugs.

Suggested Citation

  • Caroline Daly & Eve Griffin & Elaine McMahon & Paul Corcoran & Roger T. Webb & Katrina Witt & Darren M. Ashcroft & Ella Arensman, 2020. "Repeat Self-Harm Following Hospital-Presenting Intentional Drug Overdose among Young People—A National Registry Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6159-:d:403587
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Miller, M. & Hempstead, K. & Nguyen, T. & Barber, C. & Rosenberg-Wohl, S. & Azrael, D., 2013. "Method choice in nonfatal self-harm as a predictor of subsequent episodes of self-harm and suicide: Implications for clinical practice," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 103(6), pages 61-68.
    2. Mayo, J.A., 1974. "Psychopharmacological roulette: a follow-up study of patients hospitalized for drug overdose," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 64(6), pages 616-617.
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