ABSTRACT
The following is a guide to taking a psychiatric history in the context of a self-harm presentation. Thorough risk assessment and management is usually the cornerstone of the assessment from a health service’s point of view. Young people however tend to view this as being a less important component of the assessment. What they are more likely to expect is to be understood, to be respected and to get something useful out of the assessment. Taking a psychosocial history is therefore a skilful balance between the needs of the young person and your own needs as a representative of a health service. These needs are not mutually exclusive and could be complementary. You may try to develop understanding, instil hope, enhance motivation and explore alternatives to self-harm in return for the young person sharing their intimate information with you.
