Self-harm and suicidal behaviors in children: perspectives of mental health clinicians.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Presentations for self-harm and suicidal behaviors are increasing in children and young people, although less is known about these presentations in children aged 12 years and under. This study aims to understand how mental health clinicians in public health services conceptualize, identify and respond to self-harm and suicidal behaviors in children.

Methods

26 mental health clinicians provided their perspectives through interviews or focus groups. Participant responses were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

Mental health clinicians described how self-harm and suicidal behaviors may present differently in children compared with adolescents, particularly with the methods used. Using developmentally appropriate language and including parents o

SUBMITTER: Townsend ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11335141 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature