Self-harm fears for young with mental health issues
YOUNG Scots who have been detained for mental health reasons are selfharming at a growing rate, according to a report.
The Mental Welfare Commission analysed the detentions of people aged 16 and 17.
It found that self-harm was a key characteristic – particularly among young women – with reports having risen from 50 per cent of patients in 2014-15 to 66 per cent in 2018-19.
Dr Arun Chopra, medical director, said: “Mental illness in young people can be short term, or can be the start of a prolonged period of difficulty.
“It can disrupt education, the development of f r iendships and the transition into adulthood, significantly affecting both the young person and their family or carers. Getting the right help early can make a major difference.
“We conducted this analysis because we knew that detentions of young people were rising, and we wanted to understand better the characteristics and presentations of young people who are so unwell that they need to be treated under the law.”