Annual Research Review: Self-harm in young people (Ougrin, 2026)

Ougrin D; Kaess M

Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry. Jan2026, p1. 19p.

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Self‐harm is defined as self‐injury or self‐poisoning, irrespective of the presence of suicidal intent. It includes both non‐suicidal self‐injury and attempted suicide. The lifetime prevalence of self‐harm is approximately 20% in young people. The initial assessment for self‐harm should contain an evaluation of risk, a safety plan and a therapeutic element, which should be focused on understanding the nature of self‐harm, instilling hope and linking young people with follow‐up treatment. Dialectical Behaviour Therapy should be offered to young people with severe self‐harm. School‐based interventions, such as the Youth Aware of Mental Health programme, could prevent self‐harm in young people.