Self-harm Research Articles

Pediatric Trauma Recidivism: A Statewide Risk Factor Analysis of the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC)

BackgroundNational estimates suggest pediatric trauma recidivism is uncommon but are limited by short follow up and narrow ascertainment. We aimed to quantify the long-term frequency of trauma recidivism in a statewide pediatric population and identify risk factors for re-injury. MethodsThe Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission Dataset was queried for 0–19-year-old patients with emergency department or inpatient encounters for traumatic injuries between 2013 and 2019. We measured trauma recidivism by identifying patients with any subsequent presentation for a new traumatic injury. Univariate and multivariable regressions were used to estimate associations of patient and injury characteristics with any recidivism and inpatient recidivism. ResultsOf 574,472 patients with at least one injury encounter, 29.6% experienced trauma recidivism. Age ≤2 years, public insurance, and self-inflicted injuries were associated with recidivism regardless of index treatment setting. Of those with index emergency department presentations 0.06% represented with an injury requiring inpatient admission; unique risk factors for ED-to-inpatient recidivism were age >10 years (aOR 1.61), cyclist (aOR 1.31) or burn (aOR 1.39) mechanisms, child abuse (aOR 1.27), and assault (aOR 1.43). Among patients with at least one inpatient encounter, 6.3% experienced another inpatient trauma admission, 3.4% of which were fatal. Unique risk factors for inpatient-to-inpatient recidivism were firearm (aOR 2.48) and motor vehicle/transportation (aOR 1.62) mechanisms of injury (all p < 0.05). ConclusionsPediatric trauma recidivism is more common and morbid than previously estimated, and risk factors for repeat injury differ by treatment setting. Demographic and injury characteristics may help develop and target setting-specific interventions. Level of EvidenceIII (Retrospective Comparative Study)

Dopamine Transporter Binding Abnormalities Are Associated with Self-injurious Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (P1-8.002)

Dopamine Transporter Binding Abnormalities Are Associated with Self-injurious Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder (P1-8.002)

The Prevalence and Correlates of Self-restraint in Individuals with Autism and/or Intellectual Disability: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Purpose Self-restraint, purposeful restriction of one’s own bodily movements is observed in individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. Case studies and cross-sectional investigations have reported that self-restraint co-occurs with self-injurious behaviour; however, small sample sizes limit understanding of prevalence and function. We aimed to synthesise the existing literature and estimate the pooled prevalence of self-restraint in autistic individuals and/or individuals with intellectual disability, and the pooled effect size with self-injury. Methods Six databases were systematically searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Results A total of 21,567 papers were retrieved, with 15 samples from 13 records included in the analyses. The pooled prevalence estimate of self-restraint in individuals with autism and/or intellectual disability was 39%, 95% CI [26.25, 51.59]. Age and presence of autism significantly increased prevalence rates. Pooled prevalence estimates were consistent across gender, presence of intellectual disability, and type of measurement of self-restraint. Meta-analyses of 31 topographies of self-restraint revealed ‘holds or squeezes objects’ and ‘holding onto others, holding onto others’ clothing’ were the most prevalent behaviours amongst those who self-restrained (both 32%). The least prevalent behaviour was ‘chooses mechanical restraint’ (1%). Pooled prevalence estimates of self-restraint in individuals known to self-injure were 34%, 95% CI [21.36, 46.97], and 13%, 95% CI [5.01, 21.43], in individuals who did not self-injure. Self-restraint and self-injurious behaviour were positively correlated, r = 0.21, 95% CI [0.14, 0.27], K = 13. Conclusions Findings highlight that on average, over one third of individuals with autism and/or intellectual disability show self-restraint. Clinical and theoretical implications of findings are discussed.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Turkish Young Adults: An Investigation of Intrapersonal Factors

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Turkish Young Adults: An Investigation of Intrapersonal Factors

The role of impulsivity in orientation to suicide of university students with a history of self-injury behavior

The aim of this research was to describe the effect of depression, hopelessness, and impulsivity on orientation to suicide and the role of impulsivity as a mediator of suicidal orientation in university students with a history of self-injury behaviors. 1645 young people between 18 and 29 years old participated, from two Colombian cities. 218 young people were selected (M= 21.00; SD= 2.99) who reported at least one suicide attempt in the last year, who answered the “Suicidal Orientation Inventory”, the “Beck Hopelessness Scale”, the “Beck Depression Inventory” and the “Barratt Impulsivity Scale”. Depression, hopelessness, and impulsivity explained 63% of the variation in suicidal orientation (R2= .635, IC 95% [.555, .713], p= .001). Impulsivity mediated with depression in those cases in which suicidal orientation was high, whose total, direct and indirect effects were statistically significant (p&lt; .001). Impulsivity plays a mediating role between depression and hopelessness in predicting suicidal orientation.

Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment.

This study analyzes the relationship of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder and whether they have predictive and diagnostic value for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder. A total of 225 patients with a diagnosis of adolescent depressive disorder were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the DSM-5 criteria: 98 cases without NSSI and 127 cases with NSSI. Compare the demographic data, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Body Investment Scale (BIS) scores between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depression, and establish four predictive models. Based on the models' predictive probability, the ROC curves were plotted to calculate the value of the predictive diagnostic effect. The group without NSSI had lower scores than the group with NSSI on HAMD-24 total score, TAS-20 total score, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally focused thinking, as well as lower scores on CTQ-SF total score, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In contrast, the BIS total score, body image feelings and attitudes, body care, and body protection factor scores were higher for the group without NSSI. The BIS body care factor score and the CTQ-SF emotional abuse factor score were significantly linked with adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder who exhibited NSSI behaviors. These results provide a good diagnostic model for adolescents with depressive disorder. Low levels of body care and childhood emotional abuse may independently contribute to the implementation of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder. Body investment and childhood trauma are valuable in diagnosing and predicting NSSI behaviors and should be considered as potentially important factors in clinical treatment.

Suicide mortality in Paraíba (Brazil) between 2010 and 2021 and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic: an ecological study

This study aims to analyze the rates of suicide mortality in the State of Paraíba (Brazil) between 2010 and 2021, describing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the suicide rates in 2020 and 2021. We here proposed a mixed longitudinal - ecological study that employed secondary data provided by the Mortality Information System regarding deaths from self-harm in 2010 - 2021 in the state of Paraíba. It also included cases of death from intentional self-inflicted injuries, coded X60-X84 according to the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). A linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the mortality rates and the years analyzed and also to calculate the predicted values for 2020 and 2021 based on findings from previous years. Although the suicide rates observed in 2020 and 2021 were higher than expected (6.387 and 6.789, respectively), they were still within the confidence interval. The present study found a constant increase in the suicide mortality during the period studied, even if without a significant difference between the expected trends according to previous years and those observed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Not Bad, Just hard:” A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Reactions to Research Participation Among Highly Dissociative Individuals

ABSTRACT Some researchers express caution about investigating potentially challenging topics in research, including trauma, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and dissociation. While there have been studies that demonstrate people typically find participating in trauma- and NSSI-related research as more positive than negative, there have been no studies investigating how highly dissociative people react to trauma-, NSSI-, and dissociation-related research. Participants (n = 229) who self-reported dissociative symptoms and/or dissociative diagnoses completed an online survey about trauma, dissociation, and NSSI, followed by a quantitative questionnaire about their reactions to participation. Participants who endorsed unexpected emotional reactions were asked to explain their reactions and offer suggestions for improvement in a free-text qualitative question. Participants indicated the benefits of participating in the study outweighed the costs. Dissociation predicted emotional reactions but not other types of reactions (e.g. perceived drawbacks, personal benefits, global evaluation, and participation). However, when controlling for trauma history and NSSI, only trauma history predicted emotional reactions. Using codebook thematic analysis with the qualitative data, the following themes were developed to describe participants’ unexpected emotional reactions and suggestions for improvement: (1) Trauma-Related Reactions (69.91%), (2) Neutral-Positive Feedback About the Study (39.82%), (3) Insight (24.78%), (4) Logistical Research Design Considerations (23.01%), and (5) Incongruence between Research Design and Lived Experience (11.50%). Conclusions Research about trauma, dissociation, and NSSI was evaluated as more positive than negative and seemed to pose minimal risk to participants. It is important for researchers to not avoid studying these challenging topics yet strive to make their study design a safer and more validating experience for participants.

Towards understanding the direct and indirect effects of borderline personality features on identity disturbance

AbstractResearch on borderline personality disorder (BPD) in clinical populations is extensive, and its impact on nonclinical populations is developing importance. The present study examined whether the presence of borderline personality features in nonclinical young adults is associated with identity disturbance, considering the potential mediating roles of anxiety and deliberate self‐harm (DSH). A total of 162 participants completed an online survey incorporating four measures: the Borderline Symptoms List‐23, Beck Anxiety Inventory, DSH Inventory, and the Self‐Concept and Identity Measure. A parallel indirect effects analysis indicated that the indirect effects of BPD features on identity disturbance via anxiety and DSH were not significant. However, BPD features remained a significant predictor of identity disturbance, even after controlling for the influence of anxiety and DSH factors (direct effect).

Factors associated with informal and formal help-seeking among Asian adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury.

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, many adolescents with NSSI do not seek help. However, there is a lack of research on the factors that may increase the likelihood of help-seeking, especially within Asia. To address this gap, the present study examined whether certain factors were associated with informal and formal help-seeking - specifically gender, severity of NSSI, functions of NSSI and authoritative parenting. 121 adolescents (Mage = 16.2years, 71.1% female) were recruited from specialist outpatient clinics and inpatient psychiatric wards from a public hospital in Singapore. One caregiver per adolescent was also recruited. Data from self-report questionnaires were analysed using logistics regression analyses. The results suggest that the severity of NSSI increases the likelihood of informal help-seeking, while adolescents who have parents with more authoritative parenting style are less likely to seek informal help. Gender and functions of NSSI were not found to be associated with help-seeking. The findings from this study can guide professionals in their efforts to encourage help-seeking within Asian populations, as well as inform prevention and treatment programs for Asian adolescents with NSSI.

Non-suicidal self-injury at a Canadian paediatric emergency department.

Our primary objective was to determine agreement between non-suicidal self-injury recorded at triage and during subsequent mental health assessment. The secondary objective was to describe patients who reported non-suicidal self-injury. This is a health records review of patients aged 12-18years who had an Emergency Mental Health Triage form on their health record from an ED visit June 1, 2017-May 31, 2018. We excluded patients with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder or schizophrenia. We abstracted data from the Mental Health Triage form, Emergency Mental Health and Addictions Service Assessment forms and Assessment of Suicide and Risk Inventory. We calculated Cohen's Kappa coefficient, sensitivity, and negative predictive value to describe the extent to which the forms agreed and the performance of triage for identifying non-suicidal self-injury. We compared the cohort who reported non-suicidal self-injury with those who did not, using t-tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and chi-square tests. We screened 955 ED visits and included 914 ED visits where 558 (58.4%) reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury. There were significantly more females in the group reporting non-suicidal self-injury (82.1%, n = 458) compared to the group not reporting non-suicidal self-injury (45.8%, n = 163). Patients reporting non-suicidal self-injury did so in triage and detailed Mental Health Assessment 64.7% of the time (Cohen's Kappa Coefficient 0.6); triage had sensitivity of 71.5% (95% CI 67.3-75.4) and negative predictive value of 71.2% (95% CI 68.2-74.0). Cutting was the most common method of non-suicidal self-injury (80.3%). Screening at triage was moderately effective in identifying non-suicidal self-injury compared to a detailed assessment by a specialised mental health team. More than half of children and adolescents with a mental health-related concern in our ED reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury, most of which were female. This symptom is important for delineating patients' coping strategies.

Analyzing Co-Occurrence of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury With Suicidal Ideation and Related Factors Among Adolescents in Jeju Island.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior, including suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts, are important predictors of suicide in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the associations between NSSI, SI, NSSI+SI, mental health problems, and family factors in Korean adolescents in Jeju Island, with an emphasis on key findings. A total of 561 adolescents completed self-report questionnaires regarding demographics, NSSI, SI, suicidal behavior, perceived family functioning, and mental health problems, which were assessed using Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, Screen for Children Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED), and Youth Self-Report (YSR). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, chi-square test, post-hoc analyses, and multivariate logistic regression. In this study, 22.3% of adolescents reported either NSSI or SI, with 5.5% reporting NSSI and 20.7% reporting SI. Combined (NSSI+SI) group showed a significantly higher SCARED score, anxiety/depression, thought problems, attention problem, and rule breaking on YSR than did the SI only group. Higher level of depression and anxiety were significantly associated with NSSI and SI. Female sex and perceived family dissatisfaction were significantly associated factors for SI, but not for NSSI in multivariate logistic regression. This study provides insights into the clinical characteristics and associated factors among adolescents with NSSI, SI, and NSSI+SI in Jeju Island. Identifying these results can inform the development of targeted prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of these behaviors and contribute to a better understanding of the role of family in this context.

A pilot study examining hemomania behaviors in psychiatry outpatients engaged with nonsuicidal self-injury.

This study aims to conduct the first-ever evaluation of our previously proposed behaviors of "hemomania" in individuals engaged with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The study encompassed 130 outpatients engaged with NSSI who applied at the psychiatry outpatient clinic. NSSI behaviors were assessed using the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, while psychiatric diagnoses were evaluated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders-Clinician Version. Subsequently, participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Short Form of Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The prevalence of at least one hemomania behavior including seeing blood, tasting blood, bloodletting, and blood-drinking was observed to be 43.1% in individuals with NSSI. When participants were divided into two groups, individuals with hemomania exhibited: (1) a higher incidence of psychiatric comorbidities, increased suicide attempts, and more severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and impulsivity, (2) higher comorbidity rates of borderline personality disorder, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and dissociative disorders, and (3) elevated frequencies of certain NSSI behaviors, including cutting, biting, needle-ticking, and carving, compared to those without. Hemomania could be considered a specific impulse control disorder, characterized by heightened impulsivity and a persistent urge to obtain one's own blood. However, further studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.

“There’s Always a Way to Get Around the Guidelines”: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Content Moderation on TikTok

The stigmatized nature of nonsuicidal self-injury may render TikTok, a short-form, video-sharing social media platform, appealing to individuals who engage in this behavior. Since this community faces biased scrutiny based on stigmatization surrounding mental health, nonsuicidal self-injury users may turn to TikTok, which offers a space for users to engage in discussions of nonsuicidal self-injury, exchange social support, experience validation with little fear of stigmatization, and facilitate harm reduction strategies. While TikTok’s Community Guidelines permit users to share personal experiences with mental health topics, TikTok explicitly bans content that shows, promotes, or shares plans for self-harm. As such, TikTok may moderate user-generated content, leading to exclusion and marginalization in this digital space. Through semi-structured interviews with 8 TikTok users and a content analysis of 150 TikTok videos, we explore how users with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury experience TikTok’s algorithm to engage with content on nonsuicidal self-injury. Findings demonstrate that users understand how to circumnavigate TikTok’s algorithm through hashtags, signaling, and algospeak to maintain visibility while also circumnavigating algorithmic detection on the platform. Furthermore, findings emphasize that users actively engage in self-surveillance, self-censorship, and self-policing to create a safe online community of care. Content moderation, however, can ultimately hinder progress toward the destigmatization of nonsuicidal self-injury.

Comparing Psychiatric Admission Following Suicidal Presentations to the Emergency Department pre-COVID and During the COVID era

IntroductionSuicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, (Centiti et al. 2020). Presentations to the emergency department (ED) with suicidal ideation (SI) or deliberate self-harm (DSH), and admissions following same, are a major part of unscheduled adult mental health service activity.ObjectivesTo evaluate how suicidal presentations to the emergency department (ED), and admission following same have been affected by the COVID era thus far. To evaluate how key patient characteristics affect admission during the COVID era and pre-COVID, namely whether presentations were with suicidal ideation (SI) or deliberate self-harm (DSH), whether the patient was previously known to a community mental health team (CMHT), and whether the patient was intoxicated at the time of presentation. Methods Data is routinely collected on all adults presenting with SI/DSH to the ED. We looked at presentations, admissions and key patient characteristics over the 12 months of the COVID era thus far (March 2020-February 2021) and compared them to the preceding 12 months.ResultsPresentations over the two 12 month periods were similar (pre-COVID n=819, COVID era n=823). However, admission increased by 27% (139 to 177) over the COVID era as a whole. For nine months of the COVID era monthly numbers of admissions were higher than their pre COVID comparison. Admission rates during the COVID era were found to be increased across all patient groups examined, but were particularly increased in those presenting sober or with SI. Admission rates rose equivalently for those known or unknown to a CMHT.Image:Image 2:ConclusionsThe number of admissions following suicidal presentations to the ED has risen significantly in the COVID era. This may be due to more severe presentations in terms of risk of suicide without admission or increased psychiatric morbidity requiring admission. Limitations of service provision in the community due to COVID era restrictions may also partially explain these findings.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Risk factors and personality characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior in clinical sample of female adolescents

IntroductionNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a self-damaging behavior with typical onset in early adolescence, and shows greater prevalence in females. NSSI is defined by recurrent episodes of intentional self-inflicted damage to body tissue, without suicidal intent. These recurring self-inflicted injuries are done by the indivuduel to relief oneself from negative feelings, to resolve interpersonal difficulties, or to induce positive feelings.NSSI in DSM-5. has been included among the conditions in need of further study.NSSI can be interpreted as a maladaptive coping mechanism that can be regarded as an emotional dysregulation. Adverse childhood experiences including physical abuse, neglect or sexual abuse are the strongest predictors of the NSSI. Research has repetitively found strong associations between NSSI and identity diffusion and/or distorted personality traits.ObjectivesThe aim of our study was to assess the association between childhood traumatization, personality characteristics including stages of identity development, and self-injurious behavior among female adolescents that experience difficulties with emotional regulation.MethodsWe compared our results to a Hungarian normative sample. The sample consisted of inpatients adolescents, age between 14 and 18, with a diagnosis consisting of „Emotional disorders with onset specific for childhood” or „Mixed disorders of conduct and emotions” with chronic nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior.Childhood traumatization was measured with the short version of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (H-CTQ-SF). Identity development and identity diffusion were measured with the Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence Questionnaire (AIDA). Temperament and character factors were measured with the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI).ResultsAdolescent patients with NSSI reported severe and multiplex childhood traumatization. These patients scored higher on novelty seeking and harm avoidance and scored lower on the persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness factors in the JTCI. These results were compared with the Hungarien normative sample. Adolescents scored higher on the Discontinuity and Incoherence scales of the AIDA.ConclusionsOur preliminary results suggest that childhood traumatization predicts self-injurious behavior in adolescent females. Additionally, we have found associations between signs indicative of personality disorder, including lower level of self-cohesion, self-integration and self-directedness.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior in Adolescents with Depression: The Mediating Role of Rumination.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is very common in adolescents with depression, and childhood trauma is considered one of the distal risk factors for its exacerbation. Rumination caused by adverse traumatic experiences, which can be transferred through NSSI behavior, can alleviate symptoms of depression in adolescents. The current research focuses on the relationship between the three, further exploring whether rumination is a mediator in the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI behavior on the basis of previous studies, and provides some suggestions for future early intervention for adolescents with depression. A total of 833 adolescent patients with depression who met the DSM-5 criteria for depressive episode were recruited from 12 hospitals in China. The Chinese version of the Function Assessment of Self-mutilation, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and Rumination Inventory were used as research tools. The scores of childhood trauma and rumination in adolescents with depression in the NSSI group were higher than those in the non-NSSI group. A Pearson's correlation analysis showed that childhood trauma was positively correlated with rumination (r=0.165, P<0.01), different types of childhood trauma were significantly positively correlated with rumination and its three factors, and these results were statistically significant. Rumination partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and NSSI behavior in depressed adolescent patients (effect size=0.002), and the effect in female participants (effect size=0.003), was greater than that in male participants (effect size=0.002). Childhood trauma and rumination were key factors for NSSI behavior in adolescents with depression. Childhood trauma not only has a direct effect on NSSI behavior in adolescent depression, but also plays an indirect effect on NSSI behavior through rumination.

The relationship between non-suicidal self-injury and suicidal ideation in patients with borderline personality disorder treated at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé

IntroductionNon-suicidal self-harm, i.e. the intentional self-infliction of bodily harm without apparent suicidal intent, is a powerful risk factor for suicidal ideation and behavior [1]. Although non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal behaviour are distinct concepts, the two forms of deliberate self-harm frequently coexist and share key instrumental functions, such as escaping aversive internal states, reducing dysphoria or communicating distress, especially in patients with personality disorders. [2]Some individuals also report using non-suicidal self-harm to ameliorate suicidal thoughts or urges [2].ObjectivesTo assess the relationship between non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation in patients with borderline personality disorder followed at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé.MethodsThis was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a questionnaire including sociodemographic criteria, clinical criteria and the Beck suicidal intentionality scale to assess the relationship between non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation in patients with borderline personality disorder followed and hospitalised at the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Salé.The inclusion criteria were as follows: both sexes with a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder according to DSM 5 criteria.Exclusion criteria were current psychosis and severe intellectual disability.ResultsWe collect 63 participants.The average age of the participants was 23, and they were predominantly female (89%). About 85% were single and 97% had no occupation. The majority of participants had a substance use disorder.All participants had a history of non-suicidal self-harm and 36% had a history of suicide attempts.Suicidal intent was strong in 45% of participants who had already attempted suicide.Approximately 46% of participants reported that non-suicidal self-harm was intended to alleviate suicidal ideation and approximately 27% of participants reported having experienced suicidal ideation shortly after non-suicidal self-harm.Conclusions Non-suicidal self-harm is very common in patients with borderline personality disorder often considered to have a mitigating effect on the internal stress of these patients and sometimes even neglected. The relationship between non-suicidal self-harm and suicidal ideation is an important one, and may reduce suicidal ideation in the short term but subsequently encourage further self-harm, thereby increasing the risk of suicide.Particular attention must be paid to these patients and their self-harm, and specialised, comprehensive care is required.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Evaluation of an App-based brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for individuals with Nonsuicidal Self-injury

IntroductionNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate and direct destruction of one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent, has represented a significant public health concern among adolescents and young adults worldwide, yet they have limited access to evidence-based interventions. App-based digital therapy, with its advantages of high cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and user receptivity, could be an effective intervention for NSSI. We expected that the use of an app-based brief cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) would improve depressive symptoms and emotion dysregulation, the most prevalent symptoms among individuals with NSSI.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 3-week app-based brief CBT program focusing on cognitive distortion correction for individuals with NSSI.Methods A total of 34 participants who engaged in NSSI were included in the final analysis, with 18 individuals assigned to the ‘app group’ and 16 to the ‘waitlist group.’ The brief CBT program consisted of three quizzes designed to prompt the users to identify cognitive distortions embedded in a series of short scenarios, develop more realistic perspectives, and imagine advising to significant others. The app group was instructed to complete three quizzes per day for three weeks, while the waitlist group received no intervention.ResultsBaseline and follow-up assessments of depression and emotion regulation were conducted. After the 3-week program, the app group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (F = 8.30, P = .007) compared to the waitlist group. There was no group difference regarding emotion regulation.ConclusionsDepression is a prominent symptom in individuals with NSSI. Our findings suggest that an app-based brief CBT intervention targeting cognitive distortions can effectively alleviate depression in individuals with NSSI. The results also highlight the need for digital interventions that are tailored and designed to improve emotion regulation in this population.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Clinical features of suicidal behaviouг in youth with borderline personality disorder

IntroductionBorderline personality disorder (BPD) in youth has the greatest spectrum of psychopathology and is strictly associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviour [Guile et al. Adolesc Health Med Ther 2018; 9 199-210; Paris Med. 2019; 55(6):223]. The formation of autoaggressive behaviour and suicidal activity is due to the psychopathological features of BPD, which include affective instability, impulsivity and impaired self-identity.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate the psychopathological features of suicidal behaviour in BPD in youth.MethodsClinical and psychopathological examination with assessment of suicidal behaviour at the time of, 6 and 12 months later. For additional psychometric examination of patients we used: SCID-II questionnaires, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), Toronto Alexithymic Scale (TAS), Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS). Sample: N=62 male and female youth males and females in two equal groups of 31, respectively, with an established diagnosis of BPD and the presence of suicidal behaviour. The mean age of first referral in both groups was 19.1±2.2 years.ResultsThis study defined 2 variants of suicidal behaviour in patients with BPD in youth: 1) Expansive - with predominance of impulsiveness (BIS-11 70±3), affective instability, associated with psychosocial factors as a trigger of suicidal activity. Suicidal attempts were made at the height of psychoemotional stress. These patients were characterised by moderately high scores of the C-SSRS scale 2±1, in which patients noted the absence of a plan and specific intentions before the attempt, and a lower incidence of repeated attempts after 6 ((N=6 (19.4%) and 12 months N=10 (32.2%). 2) Rationalistic variant of suicidal behaviour was found in patients with predominance of self-identification disorders, dissociative disorders and high level of alexithymia TAS 81±4.2 in the clinical picture. Suicidal ideation was revealed in all patients, often throughout the entire youth period, and attempts were characterised by thoughtfulness and led to severe consequences, including fatal outcome. Patients with rationalistic variant of suicidal activity had higher C-SSRS scale scores of 4±1, with the presence of suicidal intentions and high frequency of attempt recurrence after 6 (N=11 (35.5%) and 12 months (N=17 (54.8%)).ConclusionsThe variant of suicidal behaviour depended on the degree of severity and correlation of the psychopathological structure of BPD in youth. Less favourable prognosis was characteristic of the rationalistic variant due to the high frequency of repeated attempts. The results obtained require further analysis and contribute to the development of differentiated therapeutic strategies.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared