Self-harm

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents and self-harm is the best predictor of death by suicide.

30-40 per cent of 'looked after' young people (LAYP - defined as a child who has been in the care of their local authority for more than 24 hours) have self-harmed, approximately three to four times more than other young people. The risk of suicide in LAYP is 3-4 times greater than in adopted young people.

The way we deal with pain may be important in why people self-harm by self-cutting. People that are less sensitive to and without an aversion towards the anticipated pain of self-harm by self-injury may be less likely to experience a barrier towards self-harm and are more likely to actually engage in it.

Studies published to date indicate that people with self-harm are less sensitive to pain. However, many questions remain unanswered: are pain sensitivity differences to do with self-harm itself or to do with psychiatric disorders that often accompany self-harm? Are pain sensitivity differences present before self-harm starts, and is pain sensitivity linked with the frequency of self-harm?

Dr Dennis Ougrin from King’s College London has been awarded a research grant to shed light on some of these questions. His research could provide key insights into the nature of self-harm and form the basis of future studies into prevention and treatment.

This research project discusses suicide and/or self-harm, so please read the content with care. If you are feeling suicidal, know that help is available. Contact the Samaritans on 116 123 if you need emotional support. If you feel you are in immediate danger to yourself, call 999.