Title : Non-suicidal self-injury: Increasingly prevalent and misunderstood
Abstract:
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is injury to the person without the intent to die. More and more cases are occurring in the psychiatric hospitals and emergency room departments. Frequently, these individuals are simply crying out for help and shunned by health care. It is not uncommon for these individuals to be seen as attention seeking or drug seeking. Little is known about the exact cause of the disorder while at one time; those experiencing the symptoms were labeled as borderline personality. Currently, our society in American promotes self-harm in venues such as music, videos and other forms of media. We now know that one does not have to be labeled as borderline to be self-harming. This presentation will describe what is usually seen in NSSI, what is going on in the patient’s brain, and ways to provide therapy to the patient. This will include what is presently offered and has worked. Those who usually self-harm will be defined. Additionally, dialect behavioral therapy will be described and shown how it has been used to improve the lives of those with this disorder.
Audience Take Away:
- What NSSI is
- Who is commonly affected
- How the idea is commonly acquired
- What is the occurrence of this disease
- What do we use to treat this, what is best practice
It is thought that by addressing the commonality and treatment, healthcare providers could get an idea of best practice and become more knowledgeable on how to connect with these individuals. Individuals will be provided information leading to an interactive presentation.
