SCIE research briefing 16: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) among children and adolescents: who is at risk and how is it recognised?
Reference list
Click here for a full alphabetical list of the references.
(1) Pawson R., Boaz A., Grayson L., Long A., Barnes C. (2003). Types and Quality of Knowledge in Social Care. Knowledge Review 3. Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This document analyses and defines the different types of knowledge and information which may inform social care research and practice.
(2) Kreitman N. (1997). Deliberate Self Harm. London, Wiley.
This book covers a range of issues relating to deliberate self-harm.
(3) National Inquiry (2005). Young People and Self Harm. National Inquiry. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This body examines research on self harm, develops guidelines and makes policy recommendations.
(4) Dow P. (2004). "I feel like I'm invisible". Children talking to ChildLine about self harm(PDF). ChildLine. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This document reports the findings of an 18-month inquiry conducted by the Mental Health Foundation and Camelot Foundation.
(5) Bywaters P., Rolfe A. (2005). Look Beyond the Scars(PDF). Understanding and responding to injury and self harm. NCH. Title link: [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This reports interviews with a group of young people who self-harm, and some of their partners. It was commissioned by the NCH.
(6) Clarke T., Sherr L., Watts C. (2000). Young People and Self Harm (PDF). Pathways in Care. Barking & Havering Health Authority. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This report sets out the key findings and recommendations of the Young People and Self Harm project conducted in Barking and Havering Health authority. It is a multi-agency retrospective case study of children and adolescents presenting to A&E departments with self-harm.
(7) Poustie A., Neville R. (2004). Deliberate self harm cases: a primary care perspective. Nursing Standard, 18 (48), 33-36.
This study reports on the presentations and outcomes of 25 self-harm cases in an urban general practice. Abstract available
(8) Hawton K., Fagg J., Simkin S., Bale E., Bond A. (1997). Trends in deliberate self harm in Oxford, 1985-1995: implications for clinical services and the prevention of suicide. British Journal of Psychiatry, 171556-560.
This study reviews trends in DSH between 1985-1995 in Oxford. Abstract available
(9) Bhugra D., Thompson N., Singh J., Fellow-Smith E. (2004). Deliberate self-harm in adolescents in West London: Socio-cultural factors. European Journal of Psychiatry, 18 (2), 91-98.
This paper reports on socio-cultural factors affecting adolescents from West London who self-harm.
(10) Hawton K., Hall S., Simkin S., Bale E., Bond A., Codd S. et al. (2003). Deliberate self-harm in adolescents: a study of characteristics and trends in Oxford, 1990-2000. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44 (8), 1191-1198.
This is a survey of the trends and characteristics in self-harm among young people in Oxford. Abstract available
(11) Hawton K., et al (1996). Deliberate poisoning and self-injury in children and adolescents under 16 years of age in Oxford 1976-1993. British Journal of Psychiatry, 169202-208.
This study reports rates for self-poisoning in Oxford between 1976 and 1993.
(12) Meltzer H., Gatward R., Goodman R., Ford T. (2001). Children and adolescents who try to harm, hurt or kill themselves. ONS. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This analysis looks in detail at the findings of the national survey of the mental health of children and adolescents in Great Britain in 1999 about children and adolescents who attempt to harm, hurt or kill themselves.
(13) Hurry J., Storey P. (1998). Deliberate Self Harm among Young People. Institute of Education. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This study investigates the service provided to young people (aged 12-24 years) when they present in Accident and Emergency (A & E) Departments after an episode of self-harm, and compares this with the level of provision recommended by the Department of Health and the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
(14) Hawton K., Rodham K., Evans E., Weatherall R. (2002). Deliberate self harm in adolescents: self report survey in schools in England. British Medical Journal, 325 (7374), 1207-1211.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of deliberate self harm in adolescents and to identify the factors associated with it. Full text available
(15) Hawton K., Arensman E., Townsend E., Gunnell D., Hazell P., van Heeringen K. et al. (2005). Psychosocial and pharmacological treatments for DSH. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2.
This is a systematic review of interventions for treating self-harm among all age groups
(16) Bhardwaj A. (2001). Growing up young Asian and female in Britain: a report on self-harm and suicide. Feminist Review, 68 (Summer), 52-67.
This article summarizes the findings of the report "Growing up young, Asian and female" from 2000.
(17) Craw M. ( 2000). The Outreach Counseling Service for Young Asian Women in Newham: An Evaluation of the First Year. London, Newham Social Services Department.
This is a report evaluating an outreach service to help young Asian women aged 11-17 years, who have been self-harming.
(18) Bhugra D., Thompson N., Singh J., FellowSmith E. (2003). Inception rates of deliberate self-harm among adolescents in West London. Nternational Journal of Social Psychiatry, 49 (4), 247-250.
This paper studies the rates of adolescent self-harm over a calendar year in Ealing, London. Abstract available
(19) Harrington R., Kerfoot M., Dyer E., McGiven F., Gill J., Harrington V. et al. (1998). Randomized trial of a home-based family intervention for children who have deliberately poisoned themselves. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 37 (5), 512-518.
This study investigates an intervention given by child psychiatric social workers to the families of children and adolescents who had attempted suicide by taking an overdose. Abstract available
(20) Nadkarni A., Parkin A., Dogra N., Stretch D.D., Evans P.A. (2000). Characteristics of children and adolescents presenting to accident and emergency departments with deliberate self-harm. Journal of Accident and Emergency Medicine, 17 (2), 98-102.
This study provides a description of the characteristics of children and adolescents presenting to the accident and emergency (A&E) department with deliberate self harm. Full text available
(21) Dudley M., Nirui M. (2002). The quality of psychiatric management of youth who deliberately self-poison: a medical records audit in three university teaching hospitals. Archives of Suicide Research, 6 (2), 155-165.
This is an audit of admissions, treatment and follow-up of young people (10-25 years) who have self-poisoned, and who presented to Sydney teaching hospitals between 1991 and 1994.
(22) Burgess S., Hawton K., Loveday G. (1998). Adolescents who take overdoses: outcome in terms of changes in psychopathology and the adolescents' attitudes to their overdoses. Journal of Adolescence, 21 (2), 209-218.
This is a study of treatment, compliance and outcomes for a small group of adolescents who had overdosed. Abstract available
(23) Hurry J., Storey P. (2000). Assessing young people who deliberately self harm. British Journal of Psychiatry, 176126-13.
This study describes the psychosocial assessment of 12- to 24-year-old patients attending A&E clinics following deliberate self-harm (DSH), and identifies features of service management and provision which maximise specialist assessment. Full text available
(24) Crawford T., Geraghty W., Street K., Simonoff E. (2003). Staff knowledge and attitudes towards deliberate self-harm in adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 26 (5), 623-633.
This study investigates knowledge, attitudes and training needs concerning deliberate self-harm (DSH) in adolescents, amongst a variety of professionals involved in the assessment and management of adolescence who self-harm. Abstract available
(25) Storey P., Hurry J., Brownjohn C. (2004). Deep wounds. Community Care, 1517.
This article discusses how and when young people who self-harm are recognised.
(26) Hales H., Davison S., Misch P., Taylor P.J. (2003). Young male prisoners in a Young Offenders' Institution: their contact with suicidal behaviour by others. Journal of Adolescence, 26 (6), 667-685.
This study investigates the relationship between witnessing and performing self-harm in Young Offenders' Institution (YOI). Abstract available
(27) Christoffersen M.N., Poulsen H.D., Nielsen A. (2003). Attempted suicide among young people: risk factors in a prospective register based study of Danish children born in 1966. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 108 (5), 350-358.
This is a Danish survey of possible risk factors associated with attempted suicide among young people aged 14-27 years. Abstract available
(28) Storey P., Hurry J., Jowitt S., Owens D., House A. (2005). Supporting young people who repeatedly self-harm. Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health, 125 (2), 71-75.
This paper explores the views and experiences of 74 young people aged 16-22 who had presented to A&E with self-harm.
(29) Babiker G., Arnold L. (1997). The language of Injury. Comprehending Self-mutilation. Leicester, BPS Books.
This book examines in detail the issues faced by those who work with people who self-injure.
(30) Smith M. (2002). Half in love with easeful death? Social work with adolescents who harm themselves. Journal of Social Work Practice, 16 (1), 55-65.
This paper offers possible explanations as to why adolescents harm themselves, provides extracts from three interviews conducted with young women in residential care who have engaged in self-harming behaviours, and discusses the impact of suicidal behaviour in residential care settings.
(31) House A., Owens D., Patchett L. (1999). Deliberate self-harm. Quality in Health Care, 8137-143.
This paper reviews literature on self-harm.
(32) Hawton K., Houston K., Shepperd R. (1999). Suicide in young people: study of 174 cases, aged under 25 years, based on coroners' and medical records. British Journal of Psychiatry, 175271-276.
This article reports on the personal characteristics of a 174 suicide cases. Abstract available
(33) Hulten A., Jiang G.X., Wasserman D., Hawton K., Hjelmeland H., De Leo D. et al. (2001). Repetition of attempted suicide among teenagers in Europe: frequency, timing and risk factors. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 10 (3), 161-169.
This Swedish study seeks to identify patterns and risk factors for repetition of attempts in older teenagers. Abstract available
(34) Zahl D.L., Hawton K. (2004). Repetition of deliberate self-harm and subsequent suicide risk: long-term follow-up study of 11,583 patients. British Journal of Psychiatry, 185, 70-75.
This study investigates the long-term risk of suicide associated with repetition of DSH by gender, age and frequency of repetition.
(35) Webb L. (2002). Deliberate self-harm in adolescence: a systematic review of psychological and psychosocial factors. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 38 (3), 235-244.
This is a systematic review of the research literature considering the psychological and psychosocial factors associated with adolescent deliberate self-harm (DSH).
(36) Hawton K., Kingsbury S., Steinhardt K., James A., Fagg J. (1999). Repetition of deliberate self-harm by adolescents: the role of psychological factors. Journal of Adolescence, 22 (3), 369-378.
This study examines the relationship between psychological variables and repetition of deliberate self-harm by adolescents admitted to a general hospital having taken an overdose.
(37) Fergusson D., Woodward L., Horwood L. (2000). Risk factors and life processes associated with the onset of suicidal behaviour during adolescence and early adulthood. Psychological Medicine, 30 (1), 23-39.
This New Zealand study examines associations between childhood circumstances, adolescent mental health and life events, and the development of suicidal behaviour in young people aged between 15 and 21 years.
(38) Gratz K.L. (2003). Risk Factors for and Functions of Deliberate Self-Harm: An Empirical and Conceptual Review. Clinical Psychology Science and Practice, 10, 192-205.
This is a US review of the litertaure on the definition, risk factors and functions of self-harm.
(39) McNeill Y.L., Gillies M.L., Wood S.F. (2002). Fifteen year olds at risk of parasuicide or suicide: how can we identify them in general practice? Family Practice, 19 (5), 461-465.
This paper aims to help GPs identify 15-year-old adolescents at increased risk from parasuicide and suicide. Abstract available
(40) Chitsabesan P., Harrington R., Harrington V., Tomenson B. (2003). Predicting repeat self-harm in children--how accurate can we expect to be? European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1223-29.
This study examines which variables predict repetition of deliberate self-harm in children.
(41) Harrington R. (2001). Depression, suicide and deliberate self-harm in adolescence. British Medical Bulletin, 57 (47), 60.
This article provides an overview of the topic of DSH in adolescence. Full text available
(42) Tyrer P., Jones V., Thompson S., Catalan J., Schmidt U., Davidson K. et al. (2003). Service variation in baseline variables and prediction of risk in a randomised controlled trial of psychological treatment in repeated parasuicide: the POMACT study. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 49 (1), 58-69.
This study looks at the variation in service policies exercised by five centres involved in a randomised trial of a new therapy. Abstract available
(43) Tyrer P., Byford S., Schmidt U., Jones V., Davidson K., Knapp M. et al. (2004). Differential effects of manual assisted cognitive behaviour therapy in the treatment of recurrent deliberate self-harm and personality disturbance: the POPMACT study. Journal of Personality Disorders, 18 (1), 102-116.
This is a randomized trial of manual assisted cognitive behaviour therapy (MACT) for adults who self-harm.
(44) Machoian L. (2001). Cutting voices: self-injury in three adolescent girls. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 39 (11), 22-29.
This is a qualitative US study examining the reasons why adolescent girls self-harm. Abstract available
(45) Martinez C, Rietbrock S, Wise L, Ashby D, Chick J, Moseley J et al. (2005). Antidepressant treatment and the risk of fatal and non-fatal self harm in first episode depression: nested case-control study. British Medical Journal, 330 (7488), 389-395.
This study compares the risk of non-fatal self harm and suicide in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with that of patients taking tricyclic antidepressants. Full text available
(46) Symons FJ, Sperry L, Holditch-Davis D, Miles MS (2003). Early and self-injurious behavior in young children born at-risk: a preliminary analysis. Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, 45 (12), 844-845.
This is a letter reporting the findings of a preliminary study on self-harm in very young children.
(47) Murphy G., Hall S., Oliver C., Kissi-Debra R. (1999). Identification of early self-injurious behaviour in young children with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 43 (3), 149-163.
This study investigates how well teachers in special schools can identify the early signs of self-harm. Abstract available
(48) Baghdadli A., Pascal C., Grisi S., Aussilloux C. (2003). Risk factors for self-injurious behaviours among 222 young children with autistic disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47 (8), 622-627.
This French study identifies risk factors for self-injurious behaviours (SIBs) in children with autistic disorders. Abstract available
(49) Baldry A.C., Winckel F.W. (2003). Direct and vicarious victimization at school and at home as risk factors for suicidal cognition among Italian adolescents. Journal of Adolescence, 26 (6), 703-716.
This Dutch study examines cross-sectional predictors of suicidal cognition focusing on the unique influence of 'direct victimization' at school by peers and at home by parents. Abstract available
(50) Hawton K., Fagg J., Bale E., Bond A. (2000). Deliberate self-harm in adolescents in Oxford, 1985-1995. Journal of Adolescence, 23 (1), 47-55.
This study reports rates and trends in self-harm among adolescents in Oxford.
(51) Dube S.R., Anda R.F., Felitti V.J., Chapman D.P., Williamson D.F., Giles W.H. (2001). Childhood abuse, household dysfunction, and the risk of attempted suicide throughout the life span: findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. Journal of the American Medical Association, 286 (24), 3089-3096.
This US study examines the relationship between attempted suicide and the number of a child's adverse experiences, such as abuse and parental disruption Abstract available
(52) Payne H., Butler I. (2003). Promoting the mental health of children in need. Research in Practice. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This is number 9 of the Quality Protects Research Briefings series.
(53) Mental Health Foundation (2002). The Mental Health Needs of Young Offenders. Mental Health Foundation Updates. [Accessed 8 June 2005].
This article reports on a project to explore the mental health needs of four key groups of young people identified as being at risk of developing mental health difficulties.
(54) Ireland J.L. (2000). A descriptive analysis of self-harm reports among a sample of incarcerated adolescent males. Journal of Adolescence, 23 (5), 605-613.
This study analyses the characteristics of self-harm among a population of adolescent young offenders in an institution. Abstract available
(55) Ayton A., Rasool H., Cottrell D. (2003). Deliberate self-harm in children and adolescents: association with social deprivation. European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 12 (6), 303-307.
This study examines the relationship between social deprivation and deliberate self-harm in children and adolescents in an UK district. Abstract available
(56) Kerfoot M., Dyer E., Harrington V., Woodham A., Harrington R.C. (1996). Correlates and short-term course of self poisoning in adolescents. British Journal of Psychiatry, 16838-42.
This article compares overdose cases with psychiatric and community controls who had not taken an overdose in terms of their mental disorders and family background. Abstract available
(57) Farber S.K. (2000). When the Body is the Target: Self-Harm, Pain and Traumatic Attachments. London, John Aronson.
This book seeks to make sense of children and adolescents' self-harming behaviour and the link with dysfunctional attachments.
(58) Frankel R. (1998). The Adolescent Psyche: Jungian and Winnicottian Perspectives. London, Routledge.
This book describes possible links between the increase of self-harming behaviours in adolescence and an 'archetypal' need for 'rituals of initiation'.
(59) Crouch W., Wright J. (2004). Deliberate self-harm at an adolescent unit: a qualitative investigation. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 9 (2), 185-204.
This study aims to identify some of the personal and interpersonal processes involved in DSH.
(60) Warm A., Murray C., Fox J. (2002). Who helps? Supporting people who self-harm. Journal of Mental Health, 11 (2), 121-130.
This paper presents findings from a survey in which self-harmers were asked to indicate who they had consulted for help in the past and their level of satisfaction with these various sources of professional help.
