NCJ Number
229971
Journal
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2010 Pages: 259-269
Date Published
March 2010
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) prior to presenting for emergency crises services in a group of adolescents, examined the co-occurrentce of NSSI and attempted suicide among these youth, and explored the characteristics of different types of self-harm.
Abstract
During the potentially tumultuous adolescent period, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts are relatively common, particularly amongst youth who present to mental health services. These phenomena frequently co-occur but their relationship is unclear. This study evaluated clinical data from 468 youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years (63.5 percent female) to determine the incidence of NSSI 24 hours prior to presentation at emergency crisis services, evaluated the overlap between NSSI and suicide attempt, and examined the characteristics of different types of self-harm. Half of the adolescents presenting to emergency crisis services had self-harmed within the previous 24 hours, with most of these (91 percent) classified as NSSI only. The percentage of youth with a suicide attempt was 5 percent and the co-occurrence of these two behaviours was 4 percent. Group differences in depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation and impulsivity were identified, with the co-occurring NSSI and suicide attempt group presenting with the highest level of psychopathology. This study underscores the necessity of assessing suicidal ideation and NSSI in all youth presenting to mental health services. Tables and references (Published Abstract)