Abstract
Nonsuicidal self-injury is a common development among adolescents that varies in severity, frequency, and associated psychiatric vulnerability. A key challenge is to understand how clinicians can identify those at greater risk, specifically for transition to suicide attempts. Shared functions (eg, to escape negative emotions) and risk factors in selected domains (eg, exposure to self-harm in others, impulsivity, cannabis and other drug use, diminished social connections, and history of bullying) between self-injury and suicide can explain this association and guide interventions. General guidelines for nonsuicidal self-injury and comorbid suicidal behavior in youth include mapping its predisposing factors and psychological functions, assessing severity and acute risk, and elucidating context (eg, interpersonal stressors). No medication has proven effective in reducing self-harm. Outpatient psychological treatment is the first option to address relevant emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal vulnerabilities, and evidence-based treatments can be effective (eg, dialectical behavior therapy, mentalization-based treatment, and cognitive-behavioral therapy). [ Psychiatr Ann. 2022;52(8):311–317.]
Published Version
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