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Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Review of Current Research for Family Medicine and Primary Care Physicians

Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division (PLK)
Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin—Eau Claire (JJM)
Departments of Emergency Medicine and Geriatrics, Charleston Area Medical Center, Charleston, West Virginia (JMT)

Correspondence: Corresponding author: Patrick L. Kerr, PhD, 3200 MacCorkle Avenue, SE, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston, WV 25304 (E-mail: PatrickLKerr{at}gmail.com)

Self-injury is a dangerous behavior that is different from suicidal behavior but is associated with increased risk of suicide attempts. Some effective psychological treatments for self-injury exist. Physicians in family medicine and primary care settings play a vital role as a first step in the treatment process for those who self-injure. Physicians can enhance the care provided to those who self-injure via the accurate assessment of risk, the understanding of the functions of the behavior, assisting the patient in identifying motivations for treatment and treatment options, and provision of long-term behavioral and risk monitoring. This article summarizes the current scientific knowledge regarding the clinical features, epidemiology, assessment methods, and existing treatments of self-injury. The role of the primary care physician in the treatment of patients who self-injure is specifically outlined.

Key Words: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury • Self-Injury • Risk Assessment • Behavioral Science • Psychiatric • Primary Health Care • Review

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