Across the population, there is no change in hospital care for self-harm over time, but young teenage girls stand out. Between 2015 and 2023, the proportion of girls aged 12-15 who received care for self-harm increased by 100 percent – from 236 people per 100,000 inhabitants in 2015 to 483 in 2023.
It is worrying that there are high levels of self-harm and it must not be normalized," says Sofia Åhlqvist, investigator at the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Especially during the pandemic year 2021, the number of self-harm cases increased significantly, which the National Board of Health and Welfare warned about as early as 2022. However, in the following two years the increase slowed somewhat in the 12-15 age group.
“Requires attention”
It is not possible to say from the statistics why the rate of self-harm is so high among girls.
It is important to follow the development in this group and try to understand the reasons behind the increase, so that we can both improve care for these young girls and strengthen prevention," says Sofia Åhlqvist.
However, despite the largest increase in hospital admissions among 12-15 year olds, it is the slightly older age group that accounts for most hospital admissions. Overall, the proportion receiving hospital treatment for self-harm is highest among girls aged 16-19, followed by 12-15 year olds and then young women aged 20-23.
In total, around 10,000-11,000 people are treated for intentional self-harm each year in Sweden. Girls and women account for around 60 percent of cases. The proportion of boys and men receiving hospital treatment for self-harm did not change during the nine-year period.
Not followed up
The National Board of Health and Welfare's new surveys also show shortcomings in the support patients receive after they are discharged from hospital. Among those treated for self-harm in 2023, only 15 percent were followed up by doctors in specialized psychiatric outpatient care within a week of leaving hospital. Within a month, about a third had received follow-up.
The time after discharge is critical. It is very important to have quick follow-up and an individual care plan, to look at what interventions this particular individual would need," says Sofia Åhlqvist.
Alice Nordevik/TT
Facts: This is where you can turn if you feel unwell
TT
In emergencies or if you have thoughts of suicide, always call 112.
This is where you can turn if you feel unwell:
Mind.se.
Suicide Zero – suicidezero.se.
Spes – National Association for Suicide Prevention and Survivor Support. spes.se.
BRIS – children's rights in society. bris.se.
Save the Children – raddabarnen.se. Also for parents.
Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.se.
On-call buddy – receives calls from children and young people up to the age of 25. jourhavandekompis.se.
On-call fellow human being – can be reached at night on 08–702 16 80.
Friends – friends.se.
1177 – healthcare advice and information about the nearest psychiatric emergency department. 1177.se
National mental health and suicide prevention helpline – reachable 24/7 at 90390.
