Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
A condition involving deliberate, self-inflicted damage to body tissue without suicidal intent, often used as a way to cope with intense emotional distress.
Overview
Non-suicidal self-injury involves deliberate, self-inflicted damage to the surface of the body, without suicidal intent, often occurring in response to intense negative emotions or as a way to relieve distress, on five or more days within a year.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include repeated self-injury (such as cutting or burning) in response to distress, preceded by tension or negative feelings and followed by relief, along with attempts to conceal the behavior. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Risk factors can include difficulty regulating intense emotions, a history of trauma, co-occurring mental health conditions, and social or peer influences.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Dialectical behavior therapy and other emotion-regulation-focused therapies have strong evidence supporting their use.
Living With Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Building a personalized set of alternative coping strategies with a therapist can help reduce reliance on self-injury over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Many people significantly reduce or stop self-injury with sustained therapy focused on emotion regulation and coping skills.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institute of Mental Health.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.