Concern over self-harm in forces

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People in the armed forces need more support to address mental health problems, researchers have said.

The Oxford University-led team issued the warning after a study suggested cases of self-harm were on the rise, the British Journal of Psychiatry said.

Team leader Prof Keith Hawton called for research into the causes of self-harm and moves to curb heavy drinking.

The Ministry of Defence said commanders were trained "to spot signs of vulnerability or stress".

The researchers' claim comes after Victoria Cross holder L/Cpl Johnson Beharry accused the government of failing veterans with mental health problems.

L/Cpl Beharry said it was "disgraceful" that some struggled to get treatment on the NHS.

Young men

High levels of suicides in the armed forces have been well documented, but the Oxford University team said little was known about self-harm rates.

They looked at the number of cases involving armed services personnel attending a local hospital from 1989 to 2003.

In total, 166 cases were treated, with the figures suggesting the problem was getting worse. The armed forces encourage anyone experiencing problems to seek help at an early stage Ministry of Defence spokesman

During the first four years, there were 31 cases, but the following four saw an 80% rise to 56. There was a further 41% rise in the last four-year period.

Figures have shown there was no significant rise in armed forces personnel living in the area during the period.

The people who self-harmed were mainly young - two thirds were under 25 - and male.

The most common method used was overdosing on painkillers, sedatives and anti-depressants. Self injury, including cutting, was also noted.

Very few had a history of self-harm or psychiatric issues, but many reported employment and relationship problems.

Alcohol also played a significant role, with two thirds of personnel drinking in the six hours before they self-harmed.

Prof Hawton said people in the armed forces needed more support.

L/Cpl Beharry criticised mental health services for veterans

He said research was needed to look at factors prompting self-harm, as well as identifying what stage of a career people were most at risk.

And he added: "Strategies aimed at reducing heavy drinking within armed forces could have a role in preventing self-harm."

The MoD said all serving personnel had access to community-based mental health services.

"The armed forces encourage anyone experiencing problems to seek help at an early stage," a spokesman said.

"Work is ongoing to reduce stigma associated with mental ill-health and commanders are trained to spot signs of vulnerability or stress."