Nonsuicidal self-injury: a review of current research for family medicine and primary care physicians.
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.
Kerr
Patrick L
PL
Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division, WV 25304, USA. PatrickLKerr@gmail.com
Muehlenkamp
Jennifer J
JJ
Turner
James M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000092864:Suicide Prevention