Self-harm and attempted suicide within inpatient psychiatric services: a review of the literature

Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2012 Aug;21(4):301-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2011.00794.x. Epub 2012 Feb 16.

Abstract

Self harm is a major public health concern, yet there are considerable challenges in providing support for those who self harm within psychiatric inpatient services. This paper presents the first review of research into self harm within inpatient settings. Searches of the main electronic databases were conducted using key words for self harm and inpatient care. There was substantial variation in the rates of self-harm and attempted suicide between studies, but rates were highest on forensic wards. There was no evidence of differences in prevalence of self-harm between men and women; women, however, were at increased risk of attempting suicide. People were more likely to self-harm in private areas of the ward and in the evening hours, and often self-harmed in response to psychological distress, or elements of nursing care that restricted their freedom. Wards used a variety of strategies to prevent self-harm; however, there is little research into their effectiveness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hospitals, Psychiatric / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Inpatients / psychology*
  • Inpatients / statistics & numerical data
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Department, Hospital / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychiatric Nursing
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / prevention & control
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / psychology
  • Sex Factors
  • Suicide, Attempted / prevention & control
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data*