Abstract
Background In cases of non-fatal self-harm, suicide notes are a major risk factor for repeated self-harm and suicide. Suicide notes can now be left on new media services, emails or text messages, as well as on paper. Aims In a group of people who had harmed themselves, we aimed to compare new media note-leavers with paper note-leavers and characterise these groups demographically and by risk factors. Method Clinical notes of patients who presented with non-fatal self-harm to two London emergency departments were anonymously searched for mentions of new media use. These were categorised and risk factors were compared for those who had left a new media note, a paper note, or no note to establish differences in risk of note-leaving. Results New media note-leaving was associated with younger age and substance use; both risk factors for repeated self-harm. However, suicidal intent remained highest in paper note-leavers. Conclusions Paper note-leavers remain at greatest risk, however new media note leaving is still correlated with risk factors related to repeated self-harm and suicide. Clinicians should enquire about new media use during emergency department assessments of self-harm.
DOI
10.1192/bjpo.bp.116.002832
Publication Date
2016-06-08
Publication Title
British Journal of Psychiatry Open
Volume
2
Issue
3
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
ISSN
2056-4724
Embargo Period
2024-11-19
First Page
217
Last Page
220
Recommended Citation
Barrett, J., Shetty, H., Broadbent, M., Cross, S., & et al. (2016) ''He left me a message on Facebook': comparing the risk profiles of self-harming patients who leave paper suicide notes with those who leave messages on new media', British Journal of Psychiatry Open, 2(3), pp. 217-220. Royal College of Psychiatrists: Available at: https://doi.org/10.1192/bjpo.bp.116.002832
