Recurrence of adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm (RASS study): Effectiveness of single therapeutic project.

Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective cohort study aims to understand the effectiveness of the Singular Therapeutic Project (STP) implemented in a Child Psychosocial Care Center in preventing recurrence of self-harm and suicide attempt (SA), by comparing the group of patients who adhered to the STP with the group that did not adhere completely.

Method: Data were collected from the medical records of adolescents with self-harm or SA during the period from 2015 to 2019. The primary outcomes analyzed were recurrence of SA, self-harm, and hospitalization; and the secondary outcomes analyzed were demographics, diagnosis, number of appointments, and negative life events.

Results: A total of 228 adolescents were included. After multivariate analysis, social service consultations decreased risk in 94.6% (HR .054, 95% CI: .004-.681) of the cases, but risk was increased by 23 times if there was an episode of self-harm among family members and/or friends (HR 23.641, 95% CI: 1.394-400.8). Additionally, in terms of SA, adherence to family interventions reduced the risk by 66.2% (HR .338, 95% CI: .125-.913). Victims of prejudice, racism, homophobia, transphobia presented a 3.7-fold increased risk (HR 3.766, 95% CI: 1.058-13.401).

Conclusion: The STP interventions were effective in reducing the recurrence of self-harm and SAs in adolescents.