PILL Series. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents.

Author: Michelle LAUW ¹ ; Choon How HOW ² ; Cheryl LOH ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
2. Care and Health Integration, Changi General Hospital, Singapore.
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: adolescent mental health; deliberate self-harm; primary care
MeSH: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Medicine; methods; Empathy; Female; Humans; Primary Health Care; methods; Referral and Consultation; Risk Factors; Self-Injurious Behavior; diagnosis; psychology; Surveys and Questionnaires
From:Singapore medical journal 2015;56(6):306-quiz 309
CountrySingapore
Language:English
Abstract: Deliberate self-harm refers to an intentional act of causing physical injury to oneself without wanting to die. It is frequently encountered in adolescents who have mental health problems. Primary care physicians play an important role in the early detection and timely intervention of deliberate self-harm in adolescents. This article aims to outline the associated risk factors and possible aetiologies of deliberate self-harm in adolescents, as well as provide suggestions for clinical assessment and appropriate management within the primary care setting.