Risks for suicide following deliberate self-harm

Of primary importance is the degree of suicidal intent demonstrated by the present episode. A high suicidal intent is suggested by:

• planning
• efforts to avoid discovery
• a failure to obtain help
• the use of what the patient thinks is a dangerous method
• final acts such as taking the cat to a relative

Other risk factors for suicide include:

• continuing suicidal intent
• psychological disorder e.g. depression and schizophrenia
• alcohol or drug abuse
• personality disorder, especially antisocial
• previous episodes of DSH
• social problems e.g. isolation and unemployment
• older age
• male sex