The message <[log in to unmask]>
from Rowley Cottingham <[log in to unmask]> contains
these words:
> In patients which repeatedly self harm does suturing the lacerations
> lead to perpetuation of the aberrant behaviour?
I wish I knew. We have a regional unit for self-harming adolescents
on-site here at Edgware. The tide has now ebbed but we were seeing some
of these girls (though there was one noticeable lad) up to three times a
week.
The Mental Health staff can apply Steri-Strips so we only see the worst
wounds.
I have, in my time, sutured, stapled or left these wounds. The
philosophy on the Adolescent unit was that self-harm was part of
'self-expession' and, as informal patients, nothing could be done to
stop them wandering off and buying razor blades.
Many of my colleagues became rather frustrated...
--
Helen D. Vecht: [log in to unmask]
Edgware.
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