Suicidal and self harming behaviours may be distinct

doi:10.1136/bmj.39121.857569.1F

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Philip V Dutton, consultant clinical psychologist1,
Andrew J Ashworth, general practitioner2

¹Synapse, Stirling FK8 1HF pdutton@health-psychology.co.uk
²Davidson's Mains Medical Centre, Edinburgh EH4 5BP andrew.ashworth@lothian.scot.nhs.uk

Classifying the method as well as the motivation of self harm is important since the physiological mechanisms lead to different perceived and actual outcomes.1 If the motivation is truly suicidal, a non-fatal outcome is unsuccessful, but where the motivation is not suicidal, death is accidental.

Overdoses of drugs or poisons are …