The characteristics, life problems and clinical management of older adults who self-harm: findings from the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England

Anita Patel, Jennifer Ness, Nav Kapur, Caroline Clements, Galit Geulayov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background
Older adults have a high risk of suicide following self-harm. Contemporary information on self-harm in this population is needed to inform care provision.
Objectives
To examine subgroup differences in the incidence of self-harm, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, preceding life problems and outcomes in individuals aged 60 years and over presenting to hospital following self-harm.
Method
Data on Emergency Department (ED) presentations for self-harm from 2003 to 2016 from three centres in the Multicentre Study of Self-Harm in England were analysed. Changes in self-harm rates were examined using Poisson regression. Univariable logistic regression was used to investigate factors associated with 12-month self-harm repetition.
Results
There were 3,850 presentations for self-harm by 2,684 individuals aged 60 years and over. Self-harm rates increased over time for 60–74-year-old men (IRR=1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.06, PConclusions
Self-harm-related ED attendances in older men have increased, particularly for men aged 60-74 years. Prevention and clinical management should involve a comprehensive psychosocial assessment to target common precipitants for the wide range of problems preceding self-harm and may include support with physical and mental wellbeing and advice on safer alcohol use.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere5895
JournalInternational journal of geriatric psychiatry
Volume38
Issue number3
Early online date25 Feb 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2023

Keywords

  • self-harm
  • suicide
  • emergency department
  • older adults
  • prevention

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  • MaSH: Manchester Self-Harm Project

    Clements, C. (Researcher) & Donaldson, I. (Support team)

    1/04/97 → …

    Project: Research

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