Trends in deliberate self-harm in Oxford, 1985–1995

TLDR

Deliberate self‑harm has been a major UK health problem for decades, and shifts in its rates or demographic patterns carry significant implications for clinical services and suicide prevention. The study used data from the Oxford Monitoring System for Attempted Suicide to examine DSH trends from 1985 to 1995. Between 1985 and 1995, DSH rates rose sharply—62.1% in males, 42.2% in females—with the steepest increase (194.1%) among 15‑24‑year‑old males, rising repetition, and a shift toward paracetamol and antidepressant overdoses, mirroring national suicide trends and raising concerns for hospital services and suicide prevention targets.

Abstract

Background Deliberate self-harm (DSH) has been a major health problem in the UK for nearly three decades. Any changes in rates of DSH or the demographic characteristics of the patient population are likely to have important implications for clinical services and suicide prevention. Method Data collected by the Oxford Monitoring System for Attempted Suicide were used to review trends in DSH between 1985–1995 Results There was a substantial increase in DSH rates during the 11-year study period, with a 62.1% increase in males and a 42.2% increase in females. The largest rise was in 15–24-year-old males (+194.1%). Changes in DSH rates correlated with changes in national suicide rates in both males and females in this age group. Rates of repetition of DSH increased in both genders during the study period. Paracetamol self-poisoning has continued to increase, half of all overdoses in 1995 involving paracetamol, and antidepressant overdoses have become more common. Conclusions The increase in DSH, especially in young males, has important implications for general hospital DSH and medical services. It may herald a reversal of recent progress towards achievement of national suicide targets.