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Deliberate self-harm and suicide in adolescents
Donald E Greydanus1, Daniel Shek
1Pediatrics & Human Development, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Michigan, USA. Greydanus@kcms.msu.edu
The Keio Journal of Medicine
|October 15, 2009
Summary
Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is common in young people. While most self-cutting is not suicidal, all DSH requires serious attention and therapy for adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a significant public health issue among adolescents and young adults.
- While often hidden, DSH encompasses behaviors like self-cutting and self-burning, with some individuals progressing to suicide.
- Understanding the multifaceted nature of DSH is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the prevalence, etiology, management, and research directions for deliberate self-harm.
- To review current literature on self-cutting behavior and its relationship to suicidal ideation.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of DSH in adolescents and young adults.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on deliberate self-harm.
- Analysis of ecological factors contributing to DSH at individual, family, peer, and societal levels.
- Examination of the relationship between DSH, substance abuse, eating disorders, and suicide risk.
Main Results:
- Ecological factors across multiple levels are associated with DSH.
- While some self-injurers have co-occurring substance abuse or eating disorders, most are not at high suicide risk.
- DSH is a complex behavior with diverse underlying causes and varying risk profiles.
Conclusions:
- All instances of self-injury in adolescents warrant serious clinical attention.
- Comprehensive therapeutic interventions are essential for individuals with a history of DSH.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and address the complexities of deliberate self-harm.
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