Title : Research advances in identification tools for non suicidal self injury behavior in adolescents
Abstract:
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is primarily characterized as deliberate, recurrent, and direct damage to body tissues without suicidal intent, resulting in mild to moderate tissue injury. Common manifestations include cutaneous cutting, abrasion, piercing, and laceration. With accelerated societal development, evolving family structures, intensifying academic pressures, and heightened social competition, the incidence of NSSI among adolescents has demonstrated progressive annual growth. Global epidemiological data indicate that the lifetime prevalence of NSSI in adolescents between 2010 and 2021 approximates 22.0%. Substantial evidence identifies NSSI as a significant predictive factor for suicidal ideation and behaviors, with markedly elevated risks of both suicide attempts and completed suicides among NSSI-engaged individuals. Clinical studies reveal that 70% of patients with NSSI histories have attempted suicide at least once, while 55% report multiple suicide attempts. The mortality risk from suicide peaks during the first 6 months post-NSSI episode and typically declines thereafter. Adolescence constitutes a high-risk period for NSSI onset. Early identification and timely intervention of NSSI are critical for mitigating suicide risks in this vulnerable population. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) categorizes NSSI as an independent clinical disorder. Conventional assessment tools for NSSI include clinical interviews, standardized questionnaires, and clinician evaluations. In recent years, researchers have incorporated novel technologies such as machine learning, electroencephalography, and magnetic resonance imaging to enhance risk assessment, effectively improving the accuracy and efficiency of NSSI risk prediction. This review examines existing NSSI assessment instruments, compares their diagnostic accuracy and application limitations, explores practical implementation challenges and ethical considerations, and proposes potential improvement strategies to facilitate early identification of NSSI behaviors in adolescents.
