Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysregulation in Depressed Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) involves the self-directed act of causing harm to one ’s own body without the intent of suicide (Muehlenkamp, 2005). The estimated prevalence of adolescent NSSI is 17% (Swannell et al., 2014) and 40% or higher in clinical samples (Glenn& Klonsky, 2013). Those who self-injure are more prone to self-criticism and negative emotionality (Glassman et al., 2007). Most adolescents engage in NSSI as a method of stress-regulation, with the expectation that it will serve to relieve interpersonal difficulties or reduce negative affect (e.g., Zetterqvist et al., 2013).
Source: Psychoneuroendocrinology - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research