Self-harm: assessment, management and preventing recurrence

Self-harm: assessment, management and preventing recurrence

This NICE guideline covers assessment, management and preventing recurrence for children, young people and adults who have self-harmed. It includes those with a mental health problem, neurodevelopmental disorder or learning disability and applies to all sectors that work with people who have self-harmed.

In this guideline, self-harm is defined as intentional self-poisoning or injury, irrespective of the apparent purpose. The guideline does not cover repetitive, stereotypical self-injurious behaviour (such as head banging).

The guideline is for:

  • Healthcare professionals and social care practitioners, commissioners and providers
  • Staff in educational settings
  • Third sector organisations
  • The criminal justice system
  • People using self-harm services, their families and carers

The NICE guideline can be downloaded from HERE.