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Pain and self-harm: A systematic review.
Olivia J Kirtley1, Ronan E O'Carroll2, Rory C O'Connor1
1University of Glasgow, Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0XH, United Kingdom.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|June 21, 2016
Summary
Individuals engaging in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) show higher pain tolerance. Further research is needed to understand if this altered pain perception causes or results from NSSI behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Pain Research
Background:
- Research indicates altered pain perception in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal self-harm.
- Existing evidence is inconsistent, leaving the relationship and its presence in suicidal self-harm unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on pain threshold and tolerance in individuals engaging in NSSI and suicidal self-harm.
- To identify gaps in the research, particularly regarding prospective studies and psychological correlates.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across three major databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Web of Knowledge).
- 1873 records were screened, and 25 articles were included in the final narrative systematic review after quality assessment.
Main Results:
- Strong evidence suggests increased pain tolerance in individuals with NSSI.
- Some evidence indicates increased pain tolerance in suicidal individuals, but prospective studies are lacking.
- A significant gap exists in research focusing on the psychological factors associated with altered pain tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Elevated pain tolerance is evident in individuals who engage in NSSI.
- Future research should explore whether altered pain tolerance is a cause or consequence of self-harm behaviors.
- Investigating psychological correlates of increased pain tolerance may offer avenues for intervention development.