NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY – A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Main Article Content
Keywords
Non-suicidal self-injury, emotional regulation, suicide risk, psychiatric outpatients, young adults
Abstract
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern characterized by intentional self-harm without suicidal intent. Limited research exists on NSSI in Indian psychiatric settings, particularly regarding its association with emotional dysregulation and suicide risk.
Aim: To assess the prevalence of NSSI among young psychiatric outpatients and examine its association with sociodemographic factors, emotional regulation difficulties, and suicide risk.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, Government General Hospital, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada. One hundred patients aged 18-30 years attending the psychiatry outpatient unit were recruited through convenient sampling. Data were collected using sociodemographic questionnaire, Self-harm Inventory, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS), and Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSRS).
Results: The prevalence of NSSI was 30% (n=30). Males comprised 61% of the sample. No significant association was found between NSSI and sociodemographic variables (p>0.05). Among participants with NSSI, 93% (n=28) had significant emotional regulation difficulties, with goal-directed behavior impairment being most prominent. Sixty percent of NSSI participants had active suicidal ideation or history of suicide attempts. Common self-harm methods included hitting, cutting, and head banging.
Conclusion: NSSI shows high prevalence among young psychiatric patients with strong associations to emotional dysregulation and suicide risk. Comprehensive assessment and targeted interventions are essential for this vulnerable population.
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S Sarath Ajay Kumar
Assistant Professor Dept of Psychiatry, Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada
Chanamala Niranjan Kumar
Assistant Professor Dept of Psychiatry SPV Government Medical College, Machilipatnam
Makam Madhavi
Assistant Professor Dept of General Medicine Government Medical College, Anantapuram
Sujitha T
MBBS Final year Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada
Vaidyanath Gottumukkala
Professor and HOD Dept of Psychiatry MNR Medical College & Hospital, Sangareddy