Health outcomes associated with emergency department visits by adolescents for self-harm: A propensity-matched cohort study

By: William Gardner, Kathleen Pajer, Paula Cloutier, Lisa Currie, Ian Colman, Roger Zemek, Simon Hatcher, Isac Lima & Mario Cappelli

Self-harm among adolescents is a significant public health concern associated with many adverse outcomes. To explore this further, we conducted a study using data collected by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) to compare the health outcome of adolescent who presented to the emergency department (ED) after self-harm versus those with no self-harm presentations. Participants from each group were matched in terms of their sociodemographic variables and their clinical histories.

We found that adolescents who sought care for self-harm had higher rates of subsequent self-harm incidents, mental health diagnoses, and hospitalizations related to mental health conditions compared to those with no self-harm history. There was also a higher risk of death from all causes, including suicide, among adolescent who had presented to the ED for self-harm.

The study highlights the need for comprehensive, evidence-based interventions targeted at adolescents who present to the ED with self-harm. Identifying effective strategies to address the immediate and long-term health consequences of self-harm is crucial for healthcare providers, policymakers, and parents. Early identification, timely intervention, and ongoing support are essential components of a holistic approach to reducing the adverse health outcomes associated with self-harm in adolescents.

To read the full article, please visit: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/44/e1207/tab-figures-data.