Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is not uncommon in the general
population, and is prevalent in association with a range of
psychiatric disorders including major affective, personality and
neuropsychiatric disorders. It often starts in childhood or early
adolescence and involves repeated bouts of self-injurious acts,
with similar risks among females and males. Such behaviours
are distinguished from suicide attempts by an evident lack of
lethal intent. Nevertheless, NSSI and suicidal behaviours occur
frequently in the same persons, and NSSI can be a precursor of
suicidal behaviour. NSSI typically seems to represent an effort
to reduce overwhelming negative emotions, which can include
dysphoric or depressive states. Indeed, the experience of immediate
relief may contribute to the repetition of self-injurious behaviours.
NSSI may also arise in response to a felt need for punishment
or a desire to influence or seek help from others. NSSI
behaviours occur far more frequently than suicide attempts, and
usually are of low medical severity and rarely fatal. In addition
to representing an important psychiatric syndrome in its own
right, NSSI is a major risk factor for suicide that requires ongoing
assessment of suicidal intent
