1. Trends and characteristics of deliberate self-harm hospital presentations in an English County.
- Author
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Belgamwar, Dr Ravindra B., Hodgson, Richard E., and Waters, Keith
- Subjects
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ATTEMPTED suicide , *PSYCHIATRIC hospitals , *EMERGENCY medical services , *SUICIDE victims - Abstract
Background. This study investigates deliberate self-harm (DSH) presentations to Southern Derbyshire hospitals from 1990 to 1997. Methods . Retrospective evaluation of deliberate self-harm rates and socio-demographic variables associated with DSH in 9961 consecutive attendances at Derby's two district general hospitals. Results . A significant rise in the rates of DSH in Derbyshire was noted (82%). The gender ratio has changed, with rising numbers of DSH episodes in males. The ratio of DSH episodes to the total Accident & Emergency (A&E) attendances changed from 1.54 to 2.42, with a 36% (95% CI 32–40%) rise in DSH presentations. Overdose remains the most common method of DSH (F?=?85%, M?=?78%). Two-thirds of the DSH presentations were first DSH attempts. Conclusions . Overall DSH rates are increasing especially in men. In contrast, official suicide rates have reduced during the same period. The increase in DSH rates has implications for already overworked A&E Departments, as well as other emergency and psychiatric services. Service provision and organisation should be reviewed in light of this increasing demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2006
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