Because self injury methods chosen by a victim are overdetermined by past history, selective blocking of access to that preferred method can be imposed more easily and for longer periods of time. The first issue for victims of a recent self injury event, is the question of the wish to die. Most will have changed their minds, and want very much to live. Even so the question needs to be asked. All will need accept- ance, support, reassurance, and hope for tomorrow.
Psychotropic drugs are appropriate options.
Antidepressants are a first thought in this situation, and more often right than not. Victims suffering from a psychotic diagnosis are best medicated by appropriate antipsychotics. With a confirmed bipolar history mood stabilizers become the treatment of choice. The immediate hazard is the prior ingestion of unknown or unmeasured amounts of chemicals. Later, anxiolytics become problematic since these have an essen- tial role in preventing seizures during withdrawal, and reducing distress in the first hours following a rescue.