Experts have expressed concern at the lack of mental health services for adolescents following a new report which indicates that rates of self-harm among teenagers are much higher than official statistics suggest.
The study, conducted among almost 4,000 students in the Southern Health Board area, found that just over 12 per cent of 15- to 17-year-olds reported a history of deliberate self-harm. However, only just over 10 per cent who harmed themselves had been in contact with a health service.
Dr Helen Keely, one of the report's authors, said it identified a "hidden" group which was not included in official statistics. "This is picking up a previously unknown group. The national parasuicide register appears to identify only 10 per cent of young people harming themselves. About half of this group had a history of repeated self-harm, which is particularly worrying."
She also expressed concern about the lack of health services for 15 to 17-year-olds in the light of the study's findings.
"This is the age group for who there are no services. Child and adolescent services work up to 16, adult services are really only competent for 18-year-olds.
"There is a limbo for children between 16 and 18, and they're the ones we've identified in the report," Dr Keely said. She was speaking at a conference in Dublin at the weekend organised by the 3Ts charity, aimed at raising awareness of suicide through research, education and support.
Teenagers who harmed themselves were two to three times more likely to have had problems with relationships, family difficulties or bullying.
However, the report said it was encouraging that half of teenagers who harmed themselves thought they could have been prevented from doing so.
Dr Ella Arensman, director of research with the National Suicide Research Foundation, said the results highlighted the need to consult with and involve young people in the planning, development and implementation of mental health promotion programmes and treatment options for adolescents.
"The ability to communicate with a person who engages in self-harm is the first major step towards prevention. If people have difficulties communicating the topic, prevention will not work," Dr Arensman said.
In a series of recommendations accompanying the findings, the report said awareness of help and treatment services for young people needed to be raised.
Schools should have a counsellor who can be accessed easily and confidentially. It also said more facilities for recreation and entertainment should be available for young people.
Dr Arensman said there had been numerous advances in treatment over the last 10 years which could help decrease the incidence of self-harm among at-risk teenagers.
These treatment options range from cognitive behavioural psychotherapy to pharmacological treatment.
Suicide: who can help
Childline: 1-800-66-66-66
Samaritans: 1-850-60-90-90
Aware A support group aimed at helping to defeat depression. www.aware.ie
Mental Health Ireland: Information on mental health, illnesses and services. www.mentalhealthireland.ie
The Three Ts: Working to turn the tide of suicide through research, intervention & support. www.3ts.ie
Reach Out! An Australian-based website aimed at helping young people through tough times www.reachout.com.au
