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Published on: January 24, 2025
[Nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescence]
Paul Lukas Plener1, Romuald Brunner, Franz Resch
1Klinik f. Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Universität Ulm, Ulm. paul.plener@uniklinik-ulm.de
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), common in adolescents, is linked to the serotonergic system. Dialectical behavioral therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) shows promise for treatment, with limited evidence for psychopharmacological approaches.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Psychology
Context:
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant concern in adolescence, with international prevalence rates ranging from 3-37%.
- German studies indicate a prevalence of 15-26% among adolescents.
- NSSI serves various functions, including emotion regulation, self-punishment, and anti-dissociation.
Purpose:
- To review the neurobiological underpinnings of NSSI.
- To discuss the prevalence and functions of NSSI in adolescents.
- To evaluate current assessment instruments and psychotherapeutic interventions for NSSI.
Summary:
- The serotonergic system is implicated in the neurobiology of NSSI.
- Adolescents engage in NSSI to manage aversive affective states, among other reasons.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy for adolescents (DBT-A) demonstrates good efficacy for NSSI treatment.
Impact:
- Highlights the neurobiological factors contributing to adolescent NSSI.
- Emphasizes the effectiveness of DBT-A as a primary psychotherapeutic intervention.
- Suggests a focus on psychotherapy over psychopharmacology for treating NSSI in young populations.
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