Deliberate self-harm in childhood and adolescence

Deliberate self-harm is a form of self-injurious behaviour. Like alcohol and other substance abuse, binge eating and starvation can serve as a coping strategy, a technique to induce relaxation, an escape from painful reality, or a tax on social interaction. Therefore, deliberate self-harm should be seen as a serious problem and evidence of deep psychological distress that requires the attention of professionals and the wider public. Its prevalence is increasing in the Czech Republic and the public media are beginning to take an interest in this issue, but the awareness of the general and professional public is still rather low. The publication "Deliberate self-harm in childhood and adolescence" is the first Czech monograph and is intended primarily for professionals who encounter this phenomenon in their practice.