90% of young people who self-harm seen by health services, study reveals

ALMOST nine out of 10 young people who deliberately hurt themselves are seen by the health services, either before or after their act of self-harm, research reveals.

The study, carried out in seven countries, found that deliberate self-harm among adolescents is a widespread problem that is often hidden, particularly among young girls.

Dr Ella Arensman of the National Suicide Research Foundation, one of the European academics involved in the study, said it underlined the crucial role by doctors, teachers and social workers in identifying young people suffering from emotional and mental health difficulties and directing them towards appropriate care and support.