Psychiatria pre prax 4/2025
The phenomenon of nonsuicidal self-injury – how can we help effectively? Part 1: Understanding nonsuicidal self-injury as a symptom
This article first explores the theoretical framework of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (definition, classification, epidemiology, etiological factors) and then presents current findings on the behavioral manifestations of self-injurious behavior. Special emphasis is placed on conveying an understanding of the subjective experiences and needs of individuals suffering from this symptom. Understanding is shown to be a crucial factor in shaping an appropriate professional approach to the issue. The topic of NSSI is burdened by numerous myths and stigmatizing prejudices, which can either directly discourage affected individuals from seeking professional help or hinder the establishment of a high-quality, trust-based therapeutic relationship between us, as helping professionals, and our patients. Ultimately, a lack of understanding of NSSI disrupts the conditions necessary for a successful recovery process.
Keywords: self-injury, emotional dysregulation, borderline personality disorder (BPD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), prevalence, stigmatization
