Assessment and Identification of Deliberate Self-Harm in Adolescents and Young Adults

Deliberate self-harm is a major public health concern among young people age 12-24 years old. Health care providers lack basic knowledge regarding the assessment and identification of deliberate self-harm, thus delaying recognition. Given the time restrictions and knowledge deficit of health care providers, a detailed physical, psychological, and psychosocial assessment is often excluded during well and acute visits. Using the evidence, this article outlines some guidelines to further providers' understanding of the essential components of assessment, which can enhance the identification of deliberate self-harm in the primary care setting.