Nursing interventions for parasuicidal behaviors in female offenders

Parasuicide refers to the nonfatal, intentional, self-injurious behaviors frequently exhibited by individuals with features of a borderline personality disorder. In correctional systems, the rate of parasuicidal behavior among incarcerated female offenders can be high and intertwined with complex behavioral and social issues. Nursing interventions in the management and treatment of parasuicidal behaviors incorporating the principles of dialectical behavior therapy have been developed and implemented at the authors' institution. This treatment approach provides practical, effective nursing interventions including pretreatment orientation, strategies for use with threats to self-harm and during self-harming episodes, and follow-up treatment.