Deliberate self-harm in adolescent psychiatric outpatients in Singapore: Prevalence and associated risk factors

Abstract

Introduction Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is frequently seen in adolescents with a range of mental health problems. The prevalence and features of DSH vary among different countries and settings. This study examines the prevalence of self-harm in a sample of adolescents seen at a psychiatric outpatient clinic in Singapore. Methods Information regarding self-harm, as well as its associated demographic and clinical risk factors, was extracted from the clinical records of 542 consecutive, new patients, aged 12-19 years, who presented between 2006 and 2010. Results DSH was reported in 23.6% of patients, and was positively associated with the female gender (odds ratio [OR] 4.54), mood disorders (OR 4.58), adjustment disorders (OR 3.41) and regular alcohol use (OR 4.80). However, there was no association with parental marital status, anxiety disorder, habitual smoking or family history of psychiatric illness. Conclusion DSH is a significant clinical problem that may be influenced by biological and clinical factors. Adolescents presenting with DSH should be examined for mood and alcohol use disorders.