Characteristics and risk of repeat suicidal ideation and self-harm in patients who present to emergency departments with suicidal ideation or self-harm: A prospective cohort study

•Self-harm and suicidal ideation are associated with a similar increased risk for repeat suicidality.•Females and younger individuals are overrepresented in the self-harm group.•Most of those presenting to EDs for assessment of a mental health do not receive a psychiatric diagnosis within one-year. Characteristics and outcomes of patients presenting to Emergency Departments (EDs) have been under-examined. This paper describes the characteristics and risk of repeat suicidality amongst patients presenting to EDs with (1) suicidal ideation and (2) self-harm, compared to (3) controls in mental health crisis. The Clinical Record Interactive Search tool identified 2211 patients who presented to three London EDs with suicidal ideation or self-harm, and 1108 control patients. All patients received a full psychosocial assessment. Chi-squared tests examined group characteristics. Cox regression models assessed the risk of re-presentation with suicidal ideation or self-harm within one year. There were a higher proportion of females and individuals under the age of 25 in the self-harm group. Patients presenting with suicidal ideation or self-harm were more likely to be white, live in more deprived areas, and less likely to receive a psychiatric diagnosis within one year compared to controls. Risk of repeat suicidality within one year was 3–4 times higher in those with baseline suicidal ideation (adjusted HR = 3.66, 95% CI 2.44–5.48) or self-harm (HR = 3.53 95% CI 2.47–5.04) compared to controls. To be included patients needed to have a full psychosocial assessment. Incomplete records meant 21.4% of the sample was excluded. This will have introduced bias which might confound observed associations. Individuals presenting with either suicidal ideation or self-harm have similar risk for re-presentation within one year. Both groups would benefit from personalised risk management plans and active follow-up to reduce the risk of repeat suicidal behaviour.