New programme tackling self-harm and suicide to be rolled out across the country

A treatment programme that has dramatically reduced suicide and self-harm rates in other countries is to be rolled out across Ireland.

The evidence-based treatment known as dialectical behaviour treatment (DBT) has cut suicide rates in half in some countries and reduced inpatient admissions by as much as 73%.

The developer of the programme, Marsha Linehan, professor of psychology at the University of Washington, also said elements of the programme, such as mindfulness and coping skills, should be taught as part of school curricula to try and prevent kids from starting to self-harm.