Intractable Self-harm-What Support is Effective?

Svårbehandlat självskadebeteende-Vilka Insatser är Effektiva?

The aim of this project is to evaluate a novel treatment program for individuals with intractable and lethal self-harm.

The main questions are:

1: Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in daily functioning and is this improvement related to the provided interventions?

The secondary research questions are:

2. Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in frequency and severity of self-harm?

3. Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in voluntary hospital admissions?

4. Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in compulsary hospital admissions?

5. Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in the use of medication pro re nata?

6. Is there, in individuals with intractable self-harm, a relevant improvement in cost-effectiveness related to the provided interventions?

Individuals with intractable, imminent and lethal self-harm often have multifaceted psychiatric symptoms, pervasive suffering, high mortality and a reduced level of daily functioning. Severe self-harm can lead to long periods of psychiatric inpatient care which can lead to reduced autonomy and aggravated self-harm. Effects of this care remain uncertain. The Swedish National Board of Welfare has provided National specialized medical care units for severe self-harm behaviour to three Swedish hospitals.

In one of this hospitals, Region Skåne, the intervention will be consultation-based. Individuals with intractable self-harm will be offered an assessment and review of all medical records which will result in a individualized intervention plan. Interventions include further assessments and supporting the existing treatment providers, families or caregivers. Recurring network-meetings will occur every three months as well as at he end of the intervention.

Data collection will include self-report measures as well as information from charts and national och regional registries.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having tried or made serious attempt to try at least two different interventions with evidence to reduce self-harm, without sufficient reduction in suffering or self-harm

Exclusion Criteria:

• Need for translation services to complete measures or interviews
• Not able to complete measures or interviews