Adversity, social support and risk of self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic

Article Psychology, Developmental

Pandemic-related emergency psychiatric presentations for self-harm of children and adolescents in 10 countries (PREP-kids): a retrospective international cohort study

Dennis Ougrin et al.

Summary: A retrospective cohort study found that during the covid-19 lockdown in March and April 2020, there was a decrease in emergency psychiatric hospital presentations for children and adolescents compared to the same period in 2019. However, the proportion of children and adolescents presenting with self-harm increased, with a higher proportion of them having emotional disorders. The study also showed a decrease in the proportion of children and adolescents admitted to an observation ward in 2020. Service planners should prioritize developing intensive community care services with outreach capabilities in similar situations.

EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY (2022)

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Editorial Material Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

COVID-19 and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: The Pandemic's Influence on an Adolescent Epidemic

Paul L. Plener

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH (2021)

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Article Clinical Neurology

Self-harm during the early period of the COVID-19 pandemic in England: Comparative trend analysis of hospital presentations

Keith Hawton et al.

Summary: There was a significant decrease in hospital presentations for self-harm by individuals aged 18 and over in the 12 weeks following lockdown in the UK, with females showing a greater reduction than males across all age groups, particularly in self-poisoning cases. Longer-term monitoring and efforts to promote help-seeking behavior are crucial during the pandemic.

JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS (2021)

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Article Psychiatry

Self-harm and the COVID-19 pandemic: A study of factors contributing to self-harm during lockdown restrictions

Keith Hawton et al.

Summary: The study found that nearly half of individuals presenting to hospitals following self-harm during lockdown in England were influenced by COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions, with a higher impact on females. Major COVID-related factors included mental health issues, interruptions in services, isolation, loneliness, and feelings of entrapment. These results suggest the need for organized services during such periods and encourage friends and family to support those living alone.

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH (2021)

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Article Psychiatry

The interaction between social factors and adversities on self-harm during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal analysis of 49 227 UK adults

Elise Paul et al.

Summary: Increases in social support quality were associated with decreases in self-harm thoughts and behaviours, while greater loneliness was linked to an increase in these outcomes. The impact of adversity experiences on self-harm behaviours was buffered by social support and exacerbated by loneliness.

BJPSYCH OPEN (2021)

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Review Clinical Neurology