Risk of subsequent self-harm, suicide attempts and suicide following a first hospital-treated self-harm episode among young people: a population-based cohort study - Report - MDSpire

Risk of subsequent self-harm, suicide attempts and suicide following a first hospital-treated self-harm episode among young people: a population-based cohort study

  • By

  • Thuy-Dung Nguyen

  • Moa Karemyr

  • Ralf Kuja-Halkola

  • Brian M D’Onofrio

  • Zheng Chang

  • Isabell Brikell

  • Paul Lichtenstein

  • Henrik Larsson

  • Patrick Sullivan

  • Yi Lu

  • Johan Bjureberg

  • June 25, 2026

  • 0 min

Share

Subsequent Risks of Self-Harm, Suicide Attempts, and Suicide in Adolescents

Overview

This study analyzes the risks of subsequent self-harm, suicide attempts, and suicide in adolescents following their first hospital-treated self-harm episode.

Background

Self-harm is a significant public health concern among adolescents aged 10-24 years, as it is a major risk factor for suicide. This study provides insights into the timing and demographics of subsequent self-harm and suicide risks following initial treatment.

Data Highlights

Time FrameCumulative Incidence of Self-HarmCumulative Incidence of Suicide AttemptCumulative Incidence of Suicide
1 Month8.4%2.9%0.04%
3 Months---
1 Year17.3%8.3%0.3%

Key Findings

  • Within 1 year, 17.3% of adolescents experienced subsequent self-harm.
  • 8.3% had a suicide attempt, and 0.3% died by suicide within the same period.
  • The highest risks for self-harm and suicide attempts occurred in the first month post-episode.
  • Males showed the highest risk for suicide, while females had a higher risk for suicide attempts.
  • Children aged 10-12 years exhibited the greatest risk for first-month self-harm.
  • Using violent or multiple methods during the initial self-harm event increased the risk of all outcomes.

Clinical Implications

The findings indicate the need for immediate and ongoing support for adolescents following a self-harm episode.

Conclusion

The study highlights the elevated risk of subsequent self-harm and suicide following an initial self-harm episode.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry, 2024 -- Psychosocial interventions for self-harm and suicide prevention in liaison psychiatry: an overview of systematic reviews
  2. BMC Psychiatry, 2024 -- Influences on and prevention of self-harm behavior among the most at-risk adolescents: study protocol for the SH-MARA prospective longitudinal cohort study
  3. conexiant, 2024 -- Youth Self-Injury Visits Rise Annually
  4. American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024 -- Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents
  5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — The association of different dimensions of anhedonia in the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-harm in adolescents with mood disorders
  6. NICE Guidance on Self-harm
  7. Suicide and Suicide Risk in Adolescents | Pediatrics | American Academy of Pediatrics
  8. Self-harm and suicide death in the three years following hospitalization for intentional self-harm in adolescents and young adults: A nationwide study - ScienceDirect
  9. Systematic Review and Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis: Reducing Self-Harm in Adolescents: Pooled Treatment Effects, Study, Treatment, and Participant Moderators - ScienceDirect
  10. Safety Planning Interventions for Suicide Prevention in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PubMed

Original Source(s)

Related Content