Teens Who Self-Harm at Greater Risk for Early Death

A recent study that monitored the status of 9,173 children and teens who had presented to the emergency room after nonfatal self-harm revealed this group has a significantly higher risk for suicide, accidental death, or death from other causes over the following two years than the general pediatric population. Based on the finding, the study’s authors conclude, “A clear need exists to identify preventive interventions that might reduce risk of self-harm in children and adolescents, repetition of the behavior, and premature death due to suicide and other preventable causes in the self-harm population.” The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, January 2020