Self Harm

Question 1

What is self harm?

Answer 1

self-poisoning or self-injury, irrespective of the apparent purpose of the act

Question 2

How can we assess and manage self poisoning?

Answer 2

-Take appropriate samples
-Toxbase(national poisons info service)
General treatment of ingestion:
-Charcoal(if within 1 hour and concious)
-Gastric lavage& whole bowel irrigation if recommended

Question 3

How can we treat overdose of the following…

1. ) Paracetamol
2. ) Benzodiazepines
3. ) Opioids

Answer 3

1. ) IV Acetylcysteine
2. ) Flumazenil
3. ) Naloxone

Question 4

Describe medical and surgical management in self harm

Answer 4

Airways
Breathing
Circulation
Disability
Exposure/Examination
History

Question 5

Outline the reasons for triage in self harm

Answer 5

• Establish risk
• Establish capacity/presence of mental illness
• Referral pathway
• Location

Question 6

What do we look for in a mental state examination?

Answer 6

• Appearance& behaviour
• Speech
• Mood& affect
• Thought form& consent
• Perception
• Cognition
• Insight