Study finds alarming number of self-harm incidents
In a ten-month period, clinicians at Lausanne and Neuchâtel general hospitals documented 554 cases of self-harm by 490 patients.
Keystone
A government-commissioned study in the French-speaking part of Switzerland finds alarming rates of self-inflicted harm, one of the key risk factors for suicide. Study authors call for a nationwide self-harm monitoring system.
Self-harm, defined as all non-fatal intentional acts of self-poisoning or self-injury, irrespective of degree of suicidal intent or other types of motivation, is a major risk factor for suicide. However, it remains poorly documented.
A study published in Swiss Medical Weekly,External link commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health, has revealed for the first time the prevalence of self-harm in the French-speaking part of Switzerland.
In a ten-month period, clinicians at Lausanne and Neuchâtel general hospitals documented 554 cases of self-harm by 490 patients. Nearly half were between the ages of 18 and 34 years old and around 65% were in difficult socioeconomic situations. Non-Swiss citizens made up 56% of the sample in Lausanne and 43% in Neuchâtel, slightly over the known proportion of foreign citizens in Lausanne (43%) and Neuchâtel (25%). Increased risk of self-harm among foreigners has been found in other studies.
The majority of patients had experienced at least one previous episode of self-harm and in more than 50% of cases, suicidal intent was clear.
Self-poisoning was the most frequent method found in the study followed by cutting, jumping from a height and hanging or asphyxiation.
In Switzerland, suicide is the fourth leading cause of early death and more than 10,000 persons seek medical treatment after a suicide attempt every year. However, no systematic monitoring at a national level currently exists for self-harm.
The study authors write that self-harm monitoring can identify specific at-risk groups and help put in place targeted prevention interventions. It can also help address stigma that self-harm sufferers endure that can make it harder to seek help.
In Switzerland, costs related to hospitalisation due to self-harm is approximately CHF200 million per year.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Politics
In Switzerland, New Year brings ‘burka ban’ and pension hikes
This content was published on
More than six years after its launch, the 'Bepicolombo' space probe flew past the planet Mercury for the last time on Wednesday.
Swiss scientists discover unusual zones in Earth’s mantle
This content was published on
Using high-resolution models to study the Earth's mantle, scientists have identified zones of rocks in the lower mantle that are colder, or have a different composition, than surrounding rocks.
Egyptian diplomat’s murder: prosecutor calls for acquittal of defendant’s girlfriend
This content was published on
The Swiss attorney general has called for the girlfriend of the main defendant in the case of the assassination of an Egyptian diplomat in Geneva in 1995 to be acquitted. The woman is charged with complicity.
Low-cost e-tailers Temu and Shein put Swiss retail sector under pressure
This content was published on
Most Swiss retailers are concerned by the stiff competition from China's low-cost online platforms Temu and Shein, according to a survey.
This content was published on
More and more offices are standing empty in Switzerland's major cities. Nevertheless, new office constructions are likely to increase in the future, a study shows.
This content was published on
Emergency hospital admissions of young people for psychiatric problems are on the increase in Switzerland, especially attempted suicides.
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is responding to the problem of suicides by erecting barriers on certain “black spot” bridges and sections of track.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.