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Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescence
Rebecca C Brown1, Paul L Plener2
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Steinhoevelstr. 5, 89075, Ulm, Germany.
Current Psychiatry Reports
|March 19, 2017
Summary
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent in adolescents, influenced by various factors. Effective treatments and prevention programs require further research and evidence.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) represents a significant mental health challenge in adolescence.
- Adolescent NSSI is common in both community and clinical settings, with high prevalence rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the epidemiology, etiology, and therapeutic interventions for adolescent NSSI.
- To highlight gaps in research concerning treatment and prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of epidemiological, etiological, and therapeutic studies on adolescent NSSI.
- Synthesis of findings on prevalence, risk factors, and treatment efficacy.
Main Results:
- Lifetime prevalence of NSSI in adolescents ranges from 17% to 60% in recent studies.
- NSSI is multifactorial, involving social contagion, interpersonal stressors, neurobiology, emotional dysregulation, and childhood adversity.
- There is a notable lack of robust studies on psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological treatments for adolescent NSSI.
- Evidence for effective prevention programs for adolescent NSSI is also insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Adolescent NSSI is a widespread issue with complex contributing factors.
- Further research is critically needed to develop and validate effective treatments and prevention strategies for adolescent NSSI.