Citation

Koenig J, Brunner R, Fischer-Waldschmidt G, Parzer P, Plener PL, Park J, Wasserman C, Carli V, Hoven CW, Sarchiapone M, Wasserman D, Resch F, Kaess M. Eur. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 2016; 26(3): 345-354.

Affiliation

Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. Michael.Kaess@med.uni-heidelberg.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00787-016-0896-4

PMID

27558490

Abstract

Direct self-injurious behaviour (D-SIB) is associated with suicidal behaviour and suicide risk. It is not known if D-SIB cessation reduces these risks. The aim of this study was to explore trajectories of D-SIB and their prospective influence on suicidal thoughts and behaviour during adolescence. Data (n = 506; 62.06 % females, 14.53 years) from the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe study were analysed. D-SIB and suicidal thoughts and behaviour were assessed at baseline (T0), 1- (T1) and 2-year follow-up (T2). Onset and maintenance of D-SIB between T0 and T1 were associated with a two to threefold increased odds ratio for suicidal thoughts and behaviour at T2. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour in those terminating D-SIB before T1 were similar compared to those with no life-time history of D-SIB. Late onset and maintenance of D-SIB prospectively indicate risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. This is the first study showing that D-SIB cessation reduces later risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviour in adolescence. Suicide prevention efforts should set one focus on reducing adolescent D-SIB.

Language: en