Dissemin is shutting down on January 1st, 2025

Published in

Cambridge University Press, Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, p. 1-14, 2024

DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2024.27

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Prevalence of self-harm among children and adolescents in the Republic of Ireland: a systematic review

Journal article published in 2024 by S. Lynch, A. Begley, T. McDonnell ORCID, D. Leahy ORCID, B. Gavin ORCID, F. McNicholas ORCID
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.
This paper was not found in any repository, but could be made available legally by the author.

Full text: Unavailable

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Red circle
Postprint: archiving forbidden
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Youth self-harm (SH) is viewed as a public health concern and one of the main reasons for urgent psychiatry assessment. This systematic review sought to establish prevalence of SH among youth in Ireland. Methods: A systematic review using pre-defined search terms was conducted (Jan 1980–March 2024). Results: From a total of 204 papers identified, 18 were included. Significant variation in rates of SH was found. Limiting data to adolescent years (15–18), best estimates for overall lifetime rates of SH ranged from 1.5% (when rates of SH were reported based on a two-stage study design), to 23% (where SH was limited to non-suicidal SH). SH was typically higher in females, impulsive in nature, and occurred in the home setting. Whilst almost half of youth sought help before (43.7%) or after (49.8%) the SH episode, this was most often to a friend or family member. Overall rates of professional help seeking were low. Conclusions: Robust studies using clear definitions of terms, separately capturing SH with and without suicidal intent, and distinguishing SH in the context of a mental illness, are required to inform service developments. Given the frequent occurrence of SH among youth accompanied by predominance of help seeking via friends and family, it is imperative that psychoeducation is delivered to families and peers. Out of hours community and specialist mental health services are essential to address this important issue.