Adolescent self-harm: think before prescribing

The assessment of self-harm in adolescence should include identifying medical complications and any underlying psychiatric conditions Changes in the frequency, type, and severity of self-harm can signify increasing suicidality and progression towards lethal action. As 30% of adolescent self-harm involves an overdose of prescription drugs, prescribing limited quantities and having the parents hold the supply can decrease this risk Individual psychological therapies are first line. They can be combined with school and parental involvement There is very little evidence supporting the use of psychotropic drugs for treating adolescent self-harm