Keith Hawton CBE
DSc., DM, FRCPsych, FMedSci.
Emeritus Director, Centre for Suicide Research
- Professor of Psychiatry
- Consultant Psychiatrist (Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust)
My research focuses on suicide and self-harm. I am interested in obtaining accurate information on the extent and nature of these problems over a long time period, studying their causes, and finding out what treatments and prevention measures are effective. We have taken a particular interest in self-harm and suicide in young people. Our research has benefitted from extensive national and international collaborations.
Both suicide and self-harm are extremely important public health issues and the focus of national strategies and guidance. They have major impacts on families, friends and colleagues, and are costly for health and social services. Identifying those at risk and implementing effective treatment and prevention measures are extremely challenging.
My group uses epidemiological and interview approaches to examine trends in self-harm and suicide and the main contributory factors. This research has resulted in specific treatments and prevention initiatives, some of which we have shown to have major benefits in reducing risk of further self-harm and preventing suicides.
I am a National Institute for Health Research Senior Investigator, and have been presented with the following awards:
1995 Erwin Stengel Research Award
International Association for Suicide Prevention.
2001 Louis I. Dublin Award
American Association of Suicidology
2002 Research Award
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
2012 Life Achievement Award
for lifetime achievement and outstanding contribution in research, treatment and teaching in the field of suicidology and suicide prevention. Presented at the 14th European Symposium on Suicide and Suicidal Behaviour, Tel Aviv, Israel.
2013 Morselli Medal
awarded by the International Academy for Suicide Research for outstanding and enduring achievements in the science and art of suicide prevention.
Recent publications
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The self-perceived needs of adolescents with suicidal behaviour: a scoping review
Journal article
Looijmans M. et al, (2023), European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: official journal of the European Society for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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Suicidal thoughts and behaviours among student nurses and midwives: A systematic review
Journal article
Groves S. et al, (2023), Journal of Advanced Nursing
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Journal article
Lascelles K. et al, (2023), J Adv Nurs
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Experiences of clinical staff who work with patients who self-harm by ligature: an exploratory survey of inpatient mental health service staff
Journal article
Groves S. et al, (2023), Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
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Differences in the characteristics of people who purchase pesticides from shops for self-harm vs. those who use pesticides available in the domestic environment in Sri Lanka
Journal article
Weerasinghe M. et al, (2023), Tropical Medicine and International Health