Moe AM, Llamocca E, Wastler HM, et al. - Researchers investigated the risk factors for deliberate self-harm (DSH) and suicide among Medicaid-covered adolescents and young adults with first episode psychosis (FEP). Further, they determined the periods of greatest risk for DSH after diagnosis.

• Medicaid claims data were merged with death certificate data to perform a retrospective longitudinal cohort analysis including 19,422 adolescents and young adults (aged 15–24 years) diagnosed with the onset of FEP between 2010 and 2017.

• During follow-up, at least one self-harm event was reported in 2,148 (11.1%) individuals and death by suicide was reported for 22 (0.1%).

• DSH was recorded significantly more frequently among individuals with a previous DSH, suicidal ideation, child abuse and neglect, comorbid medical and psychiatric diagnoses, and prior mental health care.

• Highest risk of DSH was reported in the first 3 months following FEP.