Methods and functions of non-suicidal self-injury in an adolescent and young adult clinical sample

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an emerging critical medical condition among adolescents and young adults worldwide. They use different methods for expressing their emotional needs. The aim of this study was to identify the methods of NSSI used by adolescents and young adults who presented with different psychiatric disorders, and their utilized functions. A case–control study was done on 100 late adolescent and young adult patients who attended Suez Canal University with psychiatric disorders. Sociodemographic data was obtained then they were assessed by the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Brief Non-suicidal Self-Injury Assessment Tool. Among the case group, 54% used scratching for self-harm while 36% used cutting. The most common body areas were hands (44%) and arms (42%). Eighty percent of the case group endorsed non-suicidal self-harm for dealing with anger, while 78% to cope with uncomfortable feelings and 72% to relieve stress with no statistically significant difference between males or females, nor among psychiatric comorbidities. The most common method of NSSI was scratching and it was followed by cutting and banging. The most common body areas were hands and arms. Patients endorsed NSSI for various motives and several functions. However, Items on the automatic negative reinforcement scales were the most common functions, especially when dealing with anger.