Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
McAuliffe, C,McLeavey, BC,Fitzgerald, T,Corcoran, P,Carroll, B,Ryan, L,O'Keeffe, B,Fitzgerald, E,Hickey, P,O'Regan, M,Mulqueen, J,Arensman, E
2014
May
British Journal of Psychiatry
Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial
Validated
Optional Fields
PSYCHIATRIC OUTPATIENTS PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES SUICIDE ATTEMPTERS POISONING PATIENTS REPETITION BEHAVIOR PARASUICIDE QUESTIONNAIRE INTERVENTION METAANALYSIS
204
383
390
BackgroundRates of self-harm are high and have recently increased. This trend and the repetitive nature of self-harm pose a significant challenge to mental health services.AimsTo determine the efficacy of a structured group problem-solving skills training (PST) programme as an intervention approach for self-harm in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) as offered by mental health services.MethodA total of 433 participants (aged 18-64 years) were randomly assigned to TAU plus PST or TAU alone. Assessments were carried out at. baseline and at 6-week and 6-month follow-up and repeated hospital-treated self-harm was ascertained at 12-month follow-up.ResultsThe treatment groups did not differ in rates of repeated self-harm at 6-week, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in psychological and social functioning at follow-up. Only one measure (needing and receiving practical help from those closest to them) showed a positive treatment effect at 6-week (P=0.004) and 6-month (P=0.01) follow-up. Repetition was not associated with waiting time in the PST group.ConclusionsThis brief intervention for self-harm is no more effective than treatment as usual. Further work is required to establish whether a modified, more intensive programme delivered sooner after the index episode would be effective.
10.1192/bjp.bp.111.101816
Grant Details