In 2000, more than 264,000 persons were treated for nonfatal self-inflicted injuries in hospital Emergency Departments (EDs) according to a CDC MMWR released today. Most of the injuries were either poisonings or lacerations; 60% were probable suicide attempts. This study provides national estimates and the characteristics of these self-inflicted injuries, which can be used to help monitor trends and evaluate prevention programs and policies. 

Key findings include:

Overall, self-inflicted injury rates were highest among adolescents and young adults, particularly females.

Most of the injuries resulted from poisoning (65%) or cutting/piercing with a sharp instrument (25%). Far fewer involved a firearm (1%).

Approximately half (49%) of persons seen for self-inflicted injuries were treated and released from the Emergency Departments, while 32% required hospitalization.

Notes to the Editor:

This MMWR article is available online at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

For additional information from CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc.

National Strategy for Suicide Prevention visit: http://www.mentalhealth.org/suicideprevention.

For more information on reporting suicide please see the Reporting on Suicide: Recommendations for the Media online at: http://www.suicidology.org/media/7.html.

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