Self-harm is a common yet frequently concealed activity among adolescents. GP trainees are likely to encounter young people who self-harm, not only in primary care, but also during placements in Accident and Emergency or general medicine. The type of self-harm seen in each situation is likely to vary and the approach to it may need to change accordingly. However, some themes remain constant and as self-harm is a prevalent phenomenon among adolescents, it is an area with which GPs should be familiar.
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