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McEvoy D, Brannigan R, Walsh C, Arensman E, Clarke M. Identifying high-risk subgroups for self-harm in adolescents and young adults: A longitudinal latent class analysis of risk factors. J Affect Disord 2024; 351:40-48. [PMID: 38290576 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-harm is a major public health concern in young people and is governed by a complex interaction of different risk factors. While many studies have identified these risk factors, less is known about how they tend to co-occur together. METHODS A latent class analysis was conducted using risk factors for self-harm from two waves at ages 13 and 17 from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study their associations with self-harm were examined longitudinally at ages 17 and 20, respectively. RESULTS At age 13, there was a 'peer problems' group with higher probabilities of bullying, being unpopular and internalising problems and a 'school and substance use problems' group with higher probabilities of substance use, truancy or excessive absence from school and violence. Both of these two groups had over a two-fold risk of self-harm at age 17 in comparison to the low risk factor group. At age 17, there was a group with depression that was diagnosed by a medical professional with the highest relative risk (RR:13.9 (95 % CI 10.2-19.0)) of self-harm at age 20. Two other groups with undiagnosed depression had high probabilities of being bullied, and either high or low probabilities of substance use that had a 9.4 (95 % CI 6.8-13.1) and 7.4 (95 % CI 5.5-10.0) relative risk of self-harm at age 20, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Identifying hidden sub-groups using risk factors for self-harm in young people can inform potential public health interventions by clinicians and other professionals who work with young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McEvoy
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Ross Brannigan
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, 4th Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland; National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF), Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Mary Clarke
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin 2, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
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McEvoy D, Brannigan R, Cooke L, Butler E, Walsh C, Arensman E, Clarke M. Risk and protective factors for self-harm in adolescents and young adults: An umbrella review of systematic reviews. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 168:353-380. [PMID: 37972513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
We conducted an umbrella review to synthesise the evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses that examined the risk and protective factors for self-harm in young people. We searched six different databases and used the AMSTAR-2 checklist for quality assessment. The importance of each risk and protective factor was determined based on (1) the number of times it was identified by general reviews examining any risk or protective factor, and (2) the effect sizes from meta-analyses. There were 61 systematic reviews included in this review. The most frequently identified risk factors for self-harm in young people included childhood abuse, depression/anxiety, bullying, trauma, psychiatric illnesses, substance use/abuse, parental divorce, poor family relationships, lack of friends, and exposure to self-harm behaviour in others. The risk factors with the strongest evidence for an association with self-harm were behavioural disorders, personality disorders and depression or anxiety. There was a dearth of systematic reviews examining protective factors but good family/friend relationships were most frequently identified. There was also evidence to show that non-suicidal and suicidal self-harm shared many of the same risk factors. Clinicians and other professionals who work with young people should be particularly cognisant of the psychiatric and adverse life event risk factors as well as the substance use, education-related and individual-level (e.g. being LGB) risk factors for self-harm. Knowledge of risk factors for self-harm can potentially be used to inform the design and implementation of prevention measures and further research is needed on the protective factors for self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- David McEvoy
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
| | - Ross Brannigan
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
| | - Lorcan Cooke
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, 2, Ireland.
| | - Emma Butler
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, 4th Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland; National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF), Western Gateway Building, University College Cork, Ireland.
| | - Mary Clarke
- School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (RCSI), Beaux Lane House, Mercer Street Lower, Dublin, 2, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland.
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Power L, O'Connor M. Radiographers' experiences and educational needs in relation to caring for suicidal patients during radiology examinations. Radiography (Lond) 2023; 29:1011-1020. [PMID: 37672965 DOI: 10.1016/j.radi.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Researchers have explored the experiences, attitudes, and educational needs of several healthcare professional groups in relation to caring for suicidal patients. However, radiographers have not been included in these studies. Radiographers are likely to encounter these patients when they present for diagnostic imaging following suicide attempts. METHODS An online questionnaire exploring radiographers' experiences and educational needs in caring for suicidal patients was circulated to radiographers working in 23 acute hospitals across Ireland and posted to a Facebook page targeting Irish-based radiographers. Closed-ended questions were used to capture respondents' demographics and five-point Likert scale questions to establish their confidence levels in imaging suicidal patients. Open-ended questions were used to explore their experiences and educational needs. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptives statistics, and qualitative data thematically analysed. RESULTS One hundred and four radiographers responded to the questionnaire, 96% of whom had imaged suicidal patients. Radiographers were confident in justifying and optimising these radiographic examinations, however, less confident in communicating with and caring for these patients. Radiographers reported insufficient patient history on imaging referrals and challenges in communicating with suicidal patients, which many attributed to lack of training. Radiographers expressed interest in further education related to caring for patients who've attempted suicide, which they felt should include an introduction to psychiatry, strategies for communicating with suicidal patients and building resilience. CONCLUSION Radiographers' experiences of imaging suicidal patients have been reported along with several challenges which could be addressed through further education. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Further education in caring for suicidal patients should be offered to radiographers which aligns with their educational needs. Referring clinicians should be reminded of the importance of informing radiographers of patients' suicide attempt when referring them for diagnostic imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Power
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - M O'Connor
- Radiography and Diagnostic Imaging, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Troya MI, Cully G, Leahy D, Cassidy E, Sadath A, Nicholson S, Ramos Costa AP, Alberdi-Páramo Í, Jeffers A, Shiely F, Arensman E. Investigating the relationship between childhood sexual abuse, self-harm repetition and suicidal intent: mixed-methods study. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e125. [PMID: 34236021 PMCID: PMC8281309 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and self-harm repetition is limited. AIMS We aimed to examine the association between self-harm repetition, mental health conditions, suicidal intent and CSA experiences among people who frequently self-harm. METHOD A mixed-methods study was conducted including consecutive patients aged ≥18 years, with five or more self-harm presentations, in three Irish hospitals. Information was extracted from psychiatric records and patients were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data was collected and analysed with a mixed-methods, convergent parallel design. In tandem, the association between CSA and self-harm repetition, suicidal intent and mental health conditions was examined with logistic regression models and independent sample t-test, with psychiatric records data. Thematic analysis was conducted with interview data, to explore CSA experiences and self-harm repetition. RESULTS Between March 2016 and July 2019, information was obtained on 188 consecutive participants, with 36 participants completing an interview. CSA was recorded in 42% of the total sample and 72.2% of those interviewed. CSA was positively associated with self-harm repetition (odds ratio 6.26, 95% CI 3.94-9.94, P = 0.00). Three themes emerged when exploring participants' CSA experiences: CSA as a precipitating factor for self-harm, secrecy of CSA accentuating shame, and loss experiences linked to CSA and self-harm. CONCLUSIONS CSA was frequently reported among people who frequently self-harm, and associated with self-harm repetition. Identification of patients at risk of repetition is key for suicide prevention. This is an at-risk group with particular characteristics that must be considered; comprehensive patient histories can help inform and tailor treatment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Dorothy Leahy
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene Cassidy
- Cork University Hospital Group, Liaison Psychiatry Service, Ireland
| | - Anvar Sadath
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicholson
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Íñigo Alberdi-Páramo
- Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Spain; and Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Jeffers
- National Clinical Programme for the Assessment and Management of Patients presenting to the Emergency Department following Self-Harm, Office of the National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead - Mental Health, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Ireland
| | - Frances Shiely
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland; and Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia
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