[Self-harming behavior of patients on a closed psychiatric ward]

Abstract

Background: Self-harming behavior is a frequent problem seen in patients admitted to a closed ward in a psychiatric hospital. Little is known about prevalence and characteristics of this behavior as well as the preceding triggering factors.

Aim: To gain insights in the self-harming behavior of patients admitted to a closed ward in a psychiatric hospital.

Method: From September 2019 till January 2021 was gathered information on self-harming incidents and aggressive behavior towards others or objects, of 27 patients admitted to the closed department of the Centre Intensive Treatment (Centrum Intensieve Behandeling).

Results: 20 of 27 patients examined (74%) showed 470 incidents of self-harming behavior. Head banging (40.9%) and self-harming using straps/ropes (29.7%) occured most. Tension/stress as triggering factor was mentioned most (19.1%). Self-harming behavior occured more during evenings. Besides self-harm, a high degree of aggressive behavior towards others or objects was registered.

Conclusion: This study delivers insights in self-harming behavior of patients admitted to closed psychiatric departments that can be used for prevention and treatment.