Socio-economic disparities in patients who present to hospital for self-harm: patients' characteristics and problems in the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England

•Area-level socioeconomic deprivation was associated with self-harm.•Males and non-white ethnic groups were over-represented in the most socio-economically deprived areas. Previous self-harm was also more prevalent in the most deprived areas.•Relationships difficulties were more common in individuals from less socio-economically deprived areas, as were problems pertaining to finances and employment or studies.•Problems in relationships with friends were more prevalent in the most deprived group relative to other groups.•It is important to endorse an individualised approach to both understanding the unique circumstances which contribute to self-harm and the specific care needs of these individuals.