Non-suicidal self-inflicted injuries (NSSI) in adolescents has become the focus on increased media attention with some sources describing it as the "next teen epidemic". Although the form that NSSI can vary, self-injury is typically defined as the "deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned". While suicidal intent is often absent, it is statistically linked to suicide and can often lead to unanticipated fatalities or severe injuries. Empirical research examining NSSI has found that the lifetime incidence of self-injury can range from 12 to 37.2 percent in US secondary school populations with an estimated 6 to 7 percent of adolescents reporting repetitive NSSI in the previous year. In a recent review published in PLoS Medicine, a team of Cornell researchers have advocated increased awareness of self-injury in primary care physicians dealing with adolescents. These physicians are uniquely suited to detect signs of self-injury which may often be concealed by the patient. In the review article, the lead researcher, Janis Whitlock, recommended a five-step strategy for medical professionals to identify self-harming adolescents and arranging appropriate psychological intervention.
In the review, Whitlock adds that ""It is important to translate this research into practice so that clinicians better understand the nature of self-injury and the most effective treatment and prevention strategies since it is a common practice among adolescents," In addition to dealing with the underlying emotional problems that may lead to self-harm behaviour, Whitlock views appropriate intervention as an effective means of curbing behaviours that may later lead to suicide. Specific forms of cognitive behavioural therapy have shown great promise in dealing with NSSI as well as the underlying risk factors (including childhood physical or sexual abuse) that may lead to it.
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