Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Suicide on roads is receiving increased attention. However, there has been little research on non-fatal road-related self-harm. This study was conducted in order to investigate the characteristics of such acts. METHOD: Information on non-fatal road self-harm was extracted from a self-harm monitoring system database of self-harm presentations to a major general hospital in England during 2005-2017. Patients were identified through being referred for psychosocial assessment by a clinical service and through scrutiny of medical records. RESULTS: During the 13-year study period 110 individuals (67 males, 43 females) presented to the hospital with road-related self-harm: 38 (34.5%) jumped from bridges, 34 (30.9%) jumped or lay in front of vehicles, 27 (24.5%) crashed vehicles and 11 (10.0%) jumped from moving vehicles. Crashing vehicles was more common in males and jumping from vehicles more common in females. In patients who received a psychosocial assessment, their most frequent problems were with a partner, employment and family members. Over half had been in psychiatric care and nearly two-thirds had a history of previous self-harm. Suicide intent was often high, especially in those who crashed a vehicle or jumped from a bridge. LIMITATION: The study was based on presentations to a single hospital. Some data were not available for non-assessed patients. CONCLUSIONS: Road-related self-harm, while not common, more frequently involves males and the acts are often of high suicidal intent. The range of problems preceding this method of self-harm indicates that there needs to be a variety of aftercare interventions, adapted to each individual's situation.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.107

Type

Journal article

Journal

J Affect Disord

Publication Date

28/12/2020

Volume

282

Pages

46 - 50