Parasuicide

Parasuicide (Greek "παρά", para-, "near" or "resembling", + suicide) refers to suicide attempts or gestures and self-harm where there is no result in death. It is a non-fatal act in which a person deliberately causes injury to him or herself or ingests any prescribed or generally recognised therapeutic dose in excess. The term was first coined in Edinburgh by Norman Kreitman It is considered to be a serious public health issue. Parasuicide is the strongest known indicator for a future successful suicide attempt. Other researchers also include those who attempt suicide with the intent to kill themselves in the definition of parasuicide. Studies have found that about half of those who complete suicide have a history of parasuicide. Parasuicide is most common in adolescents and young adults.