Original Research J Clin Psychiatry May 2026

The Effect of a Nationwide Aftercare Program for Self-Harm Presentations on the Risk of Self-Harm Repetition and Suicide: A Cohort Study

Full Article Read the complete peer-reviewed article in J Clin Psychiatry. Clinical Summary Patients who present to hospital after self-harm face high short-term and longer-term risks of both repeat self-harm and suicide, yet the real-world impact of routine aftercare at national scale has remained uncertain. This study addresses the question clinicians face after discharge: whether systematic follow-up changes what happens next. FAQ What did this study find about aftercare after a hospital presentation for self-harm? 13 questions
Key Takeaways This study reflects routine practice at scale: 90,413 index nonfatal hospital-presenting self-harm episodes were analyzed, and 59.8%; n=54,092 of patients received aftercare within 90 days, supporting the feasibility of a national follow-up model in usual care. 6 takeaways Clinical Guide How should clinicians structure follow-up after a hospital presentation for self-harm? 7 steps Clinical Guide How should clinicians interpret and respond to repeat self-harm presentations that occur during aftercare? 5 steps
Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc. (PPP) makes no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of any information published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry or other PPP materials, and disclaims liability for any use or non-use of that information. Clinicians should not rely solely on these materials and should exercise their own professional judgment when making patient care decisions on an individualized basis.

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