MEDICOLEGAL ASPECTS OF MANAGING DELIBERATE SELF-HARM IN THE EMERGENCYDEPARTMENT

Deliberate self-harm is a common reason for people to present to hospi tal. The management of this problem can cause ethical and legal diffic ulties to clinicians. This article describes a case of deliberate self -harm which we have used to illustrate answers to commonly asked quest ions about this difficult area. We make a case for such patients to be treated against their will undercommon law unless the use of the ment al health act is clearly indicated. The Privacy Act appears to prohibi t clinicians informing families about an episode of deliberate self-ha rm if the patient refuses consent. Clarification of ''imminent threat to life or health'' in the Privacy Act is needed.