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Clinical Profiles Associated With Deliberate Self-Harm in Preadolescent Children
Amanda J Thompson1, John V Campo2, Jennifer L Hughes1,3
1Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.
JAACAP Open
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Young children who self-harm exhibit distinct clinical profiles, increasing their risk for future self-harming behaviors. Early identification and assessment are crucial for effective intervention and prevention strategies in pediatric self-harm.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Self-harm in children is a significant concern due to its association with future suicide attempts.
- Limited understanding exists regarding the specific clinical profiles of preadolescent children who engage in self-harm.
- Identifying these profiles is essential for targeted risk recognition and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the distinct clinical profiles of children aged 5 to 11 years who self-harm.
- To inform clinical decision-making and prevention efforts for pediatric self-harm.
- To analyze the association between clinical profiles and the risk of repetitive self-harm.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective, population-based cohort analysis of 878 children (aged 5-11) presenting with self-harm.
- Utilized Ohio Medicaid data from 2010-2020.
- Employed latent class analysis to identify distinct clinical profiles and followed children for 1 year to assess recurrent self-harm.
Main Results:
- Three distinct clinical profiles of pediatric self-harm were identified.
- Profile 1: Males with externalizing/internalizing disorders and suicidal ideation.
- Profile 2: Females with internalizing disorders, suicidal ideation, and high risk for repetitive self-harm.
- Profile 3: Younger children from non-metropolitan areas with fewer identified mental health conditions.
Conclusions:
- Children who self-harm present with identifiable clinical profiles linked to an increased risk of future self-harm.
- Comprehensive risk assessment is vital for guiding clinical interventions in young children exhibiting self-harm behaviors.
- These findings support the development of tailored prevention and treatment strategies based on identified risk profiles.
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