Self-harm is rising among young women and girls at an "alarming" rate, new research suggests.

In 2014, 6.4% of 16 to 74-year-olds in England reported having intentionally harmed themselves at some point in their life, up from 2.4% in 2000, figures from a study in The Lancet Psychiatry show.

The rate was highest among girls and women aged 16 to 24, with almost one in five (19.7%) reporting self-harm.

Emma Thomas, chief executive of the charity Young Minds, said: "The rise in rates of self-harm - particularly among girls and young women - is alarming."

The study is the first evidence of long-term trends in non-suicidal self-harm in England, according to researchers.


Lead author Sally McManus, from the National Centre for Social Research, said: "Non-suicidal self-harm is increasingly being reported as a way of coping. We need to help people, especially young people, learn more appropriate and effective ways of dealing with emotional stress.

"The availability of services needs to be improved, especially for young people, so that health, education and social care professionals can discuss the subject with them and support better emotional health."

Previous studies have used data from health services to measure rates of self-harm, but many people who self-harm don't seek or receive help.

This study analyses responses from people aged 16 to 74 in England, using information primarily from face to face interviews in 2000, 2007 and 2014.

The samples included 7,243 people in 2000, 6,444 in 2007 and 6,477 in 2014.

The rate across the whole population rose from 2.4% to 6.4% from the first study to the last, sitting at 3.8% in 2007.

In 2000 and 2007 the prevalence was similar between males and females, but by 2014 it had become higher in girls and women (7.9%) than in boys and men (5%).

The rise in women and girls aged 16-24 reporting self-harm jumped from 6.5% in 2000 to 11.7% in 2007, before reaching 19.7% in 2014.

The study authors said the rise was because of an increase in self-cutting and self-harm to relieve unpleasant feelings. They did not find an increase in the number of people seeking treatment.

Ms Thomas said: "At the moment, it's far too difficult for children and young people to get mental health support before they reach crisis point.

"The Government has promised extra investment, which must make a real difference to frontline services - but we also need to see action so young people can get early support in their communities."

Jacqui Morrissey, assistant director of research and influencing at Samaritans, said: "Self-harm is a sign of serious emotional distress and while the majority of people who self-harm will not go on to take their own life, it is a strong predictor for future suicide risk.

"It's therefore vital that there is a broad public health approach, rooted in education across frontline professionals and the wider community, improved mental health services and effective support on and offline."

:: Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.