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Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial.

Publication ,  Journal Article
McAuliffe, C; McLeavey, BC; Fitzgerald, T; Corcoran, P; Carroll, B; Ryan, L; O'Keeffe, B; Fitzgerald, E; Hickey, P; O'Regan, M; Mulqueen, J ...
Published in: Br J Psychiatry
2014

BACKGROUND: Rates of self-harm are high and have recently increased. This trend and the repetitive nature of self-harm pose a significant challenge to mental health services. AIMS: To determine the efficacy of a structured group problem-solving skills training (PST) programme as an intervention approach for self-harm in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) as offered by mental health services. METHOD: A total of 433 participants (aged 18-64 years) were randomly assigned to TAU plus PST or TAU alone. Assessments were carried out at baseline and at 6-week and 6-month follow-up and repeated hospital-treated self-harm was ascertained at 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: The treatment groups did not differ in rates of repeated self-harm at 6-week, 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Both treatment groups showed significant improvements in psychological and social functioning at follow-up. Only one measure (needing and receiving practical help from those closest to them) showed a positive treatment effect at 6-week (P = 0.004) and 6-month (P = 0.01) follow-up. Repetition was not associated with waiting time in the PST group. CONCLUSIONS: This brief intervention for self-harm is no more effective than treatment as usual. Further work is required to establish whether a modified, more intensive programme delivered sooner after the index episode would be effective.

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Published In

Br J Psychiatry

DOI

EISSN

1472-1465

Publication Date

2014

Volume

204

Start / End Page

383 / 390

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Psychiatry
  • Problem Solving
  • Middle Aged
  • Mental Health Services
  • Male
  • Humans
 

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McAuliffe, C., McLeavey, B. C., Fitzgerald, T., Corcoran, P., Carroll, B., Ryan, L., … Arensman, E. (2014). Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry, 204, 383–390. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.111.101816
McAuliffe, Carmel, Breda C. McLeavey, Tony Fitzgerald, Paul Corcoran, Bernie Carroll, Louise Ryan, Brian O’Keeffe, et al. “Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial.Br J Psychiatry 204 (2014): 383–90. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.111.101816.
McAuliffe C, McLeavey BC, Fitzgerald T, Corcoran P, Carroll B, Ryan L, et al. Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2014;204:383–90.
McAuliffe, Carmel, et al. “Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial.Br J Psychiatry, vol. 204, 2014, pp. 383–90. Pubmed, doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.111.101816.
McAuliffe C, McLeavey BC, Fitzgerald T, Corcoran P, Carroll B, Ryan L, O’Keeffe B, Fitzgerald E, Hickey P, O’Regan M, Mulqueen J, Arensman E. Group problem-solving skills training for self-harm: randomised controlled trial. Br J Psychiatry. 2014;204:383–390.
Journal cover image

Published In

Br J Psychiatry

DOI

EISSN

1472-1465

Publication Date

2014

Volume

204

Start / End Page

383 / 390

Location

England

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Self-Injurious Behavior
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Psychiatry
  • Problem Solving
  • Middle Aged
  • Mental Health Services
  • Male
  • Humans