Suicidality Is a Risk in Young People with Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID), which involves behaviors such as cutting, burning, scratching, head-banging, and wall-punching, is a specific diagnosis in DSM-5 and is seen as distinct from truly suicidal ideation and behavior. However, questions remain as to how prevalent suicidal ideation and behavior are in individuals with NSSID. To examine these associations, investigators examined data from a German community-based, epidemiological study of 1180 youths between ages 14 and 21 years (mean age, 18; 52% male).

In structured interviews and self-report questionnaires, 19% of respondents indicated lifetime NSSI (ideation, 18%; behavior, 14%). NSSI was more common in females than males (27% vs. 12%); 21% of females reported lifetime …