Citation

Herzog S, Choo TH, Galfalvy H, Mann JJ, Stanley BH. Br. J. Psychiatry 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.2021.225

PMID

35081996

Abstract

Clinical and empirical reports suggest that individuals use non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) not only to ameliorate dysphoria, but to curb suicidal ideation or avoid suicidal behaviour. To date, however, no study has quantitatively assessed whether NSSI leads to short-term reductions in suicidal ideation. Using real-time monitoring over 7 days in a sample with borderline personality disorder, we found evidence that NSSI is followed by reductions in suicidal ideation in the subsequent hours. This suggests that NSSI may serve as an effective, albeit maladaptive, coping strategy for suicidal states. These findings have important implications for the management of suicide risk and self-harm.

Language: en

Keywords

suicidal ideation; ecological momentary assessment; Non-suicidal self-injury; borderline personality disorder; suicidal behaviour