Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Eating Disordered Behaviors: An Update on What We Do and Do Not Know

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe current report aims to summarize recent advances about the relationship between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disordered (ED) behaviors and highlights meaningful directions for future research.Recent FindingsWhile there is solid evidence indicating a robust cross-sectional association between NSSI and ED behaviors, emerging evidence suggests that the temporal relationship between these behaviors may be bidirectional. Shared functions and risk factors may explain why these behaviors often co-develop. At the same time, little is still known about the psychosocial consequences of comorbid NSSI and ED engagement, and there is a lack of intervention studies that target these behaviors simultaneously.SummaryIt is well-established that NSSI and ED behaviors frequently co-occur. The field should now turn to longitudinal designs to advance our understanding of thelonger-term developmental and theshorter-term momentary relationship of these behaviors in daily life. Providing insight into these areas will help guide the deployment of evidence-based interventions that match the needs of clients who report comorbid NSSI and ED behaviors.
Source: Current Psychiatry Reports - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research