CURRENT CONCEPTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF-HARMING BEHAVIOUR

Several biological risk factors for suicidal and self-har­ming behaviour have now been identified. The differen­ces relate to changes in key neurotransmitter systems (serotonergic, polyamine stress response, glutamatergic and GABAergic systems), inflammatory response, astro­glial dysfunction, neuronal plasticity factor, confirming the need to differentiate between those motivated to com­mit suicide and those prone to non-suicidal self-harming behaviour from total suicide attempts.Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (self-injurious thoughts and behaviours or non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)) is defined as repeated, deliberate, direct da­mage to the body without suicidal intent, which is not socially acceptable. An integrated theoretical model of NSSI development and support suggests that this type of behaviour functions as a method of regulating emo­tional experience and social interaction when a stressful event occurs. NSSI is currently included in Section 3 of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Men­tal Disorders, Fifth Edition) and is listed as a condition recommended for further study. The American Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Revision (DSM-IV-TR) and the International Classification of Di­seases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) code NSSI as a symptom of borderline personality disorder.Recent studies have shown that 59.6% of individuals with NSSI show signs of substance abuse.There are concerns that rates of suicide and suicidal be­haviour may increase during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.