Assessing DSM-5 nonsuicidal self-injury disorder in a clinical sample

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health Assessment

Background:

• Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSI) disorder is classified in the DSM-5 as a condition requiring further study.
• A reliable and valid measure is needed to assess NSI disorder in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the Alexian Brothers Assessment of Self-Injury (ABASI) for NSI disorder.
• To assess the prevalence of NSI disorder in an acute care treatment program.
• To explore sociodemographic differences in NSI disorder rates.

Main Methods:

• The ABASI self-report measure was administered to 511 patients in an acute care NSI treatment program.
• Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and factor structure of the ABASI were analyzed.
• Prevalence rates and sociodemographic differences in NSI disorder were examined.

Main Results:

• The ABASI demonstrated adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, with a factor structure reflecting NSI disorder criteria.
• 74% of patients met criteria for NSI disorder, with no significant differences observed across sex, ethnicity, or age.
• NSI disorder showed limited clinical utility as a dichotomous diagnosis compared to NSI characteristics like methods used and urge intensity.

Conclusions:

• The ABASI is a reliable and valid measure for assessing NSI disorder.
• A dimensional approach to NSI disorder appears more clinically useful than a dichotomous diagnosis.
• Recommendations for revising DSM-5 criteria for NSI disorder, particularly Criterion B, are proposed.