Suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm: a national prevalence study of young adults

O’Connor, Rory C.; Wetherall, Karen; Cleare, Seonaid; Eschle, Sarah; Drummond, Julie; Ferguson, Eamonn; O’Connor, Daryl B.; O'Carroll, Ronan E.

Abstract

Background: There are few prevalence studies of suicide attempts (SAs) and non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH).
Aims: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of thoughts of NSSH, suicidal thoughts, NSSH and SAs among 18-34 year olds in Scotland for the first time.
Method: We interviewed a representative sample of young adults from across Scotland.
Results: 3508 young people were interviewed. 11·3% and 16·2% reported a lifetime history of SAs and NSSH, respectively. The first episode of NSSH tended to precede the first SA by about two years. Age of onset of NSSH and SA was younger in females. Earlier age of onset was associated with more frequent NSSH/SA. Women are significantly more likely to report NSSH and SA compared to men.
Conclusion: One in 9 young people has attempted suicide and 1 in 6 has engaged in NSSH. Clinicians should be vigilant as SAs and NSSH are relatively common.

Citation

O’Connor, R. C., Wetherall, K., Cleare, S., Eschle, S., Drummond, J., Ferguson, E., O’Connor, D. B., & O'Carroll, R. E. (2018). Suicide attempts and non-suicidal self-harm: a national prevalence study of young adults. BJPsych Open, 4(1), https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2018.14

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 22, 2018
• Publication Date: May 9, 2018
• Deposit Date: May 3, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: May 9, 2018
• Journal: British Journal of Psychiatry Open
• Electronic ISSN: 2056-4724
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 1
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2018.14
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/931895
• Publisher URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-open/article/suicide-attempts-and-nonsuicidal-selfharm-national-prevalence-study-of-young-adults/D711AD4AFA2E25CB941814D6EDF90656
• Contract Date: May 3, 2018