Self-harm rates, clinical contact and risks of suicide and early death before, during and after the COVID-19 peak: cohort study of linked health data

The COVID-19 pandemic could have a profound impact on suicide. People who have self-harmed, for example by intentionally poisoning or injuring themselves, have particularly high risks of suicide. Therefore, it is important to understand how the pandemic has affected rates of self-harm. So far, information has come from people who have chosen to respond to surveys, rather than from the general population. We aim to find out: - how the pandemic has affected rates of self-harm - likelihood of being prescribed medication for mental illness and being referred for mental health treatment by GPs for patients who have self-harmed - risks of further self-harm and suicide The pandemic has affected people differently so we will examine differences by age group, gender, ethnic group, existing mental or physical illness and social deprivation. This research will use anonymous health records, linked to information on deaths, for around 11 million patients in England. The study will cover the periods before, during and after the peak of the pandemic, including up to August 2020. The findings will be shared rapidly, with key messages communicated on the study's blog. The research team will also host a webinar to share and discuss findings with local and national suicide prevention team and health services.