Uniform definitions and recommended data elements

摘要

Self-directed violence (SDV) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States and worldwide. Though numerous organizations collect information on fatal and non-fatal SDV, there is considerable confusion about how to define the phenomenon. To address the current lack of uniform definitions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) proposes the following surveillance definitions for SDV. Use of consistent terminology with standardized definitions will improve communication among researchers, clinicians, and others working in this important area.