| Keywords [eng] |
nonsuicidal self-injury, self-injury, self-harm, children, adolescent, child psychiatry, inpatient, clinical setting |
| Abstract [eng] |
Nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviour in children and adolescents is a major concern that requires mental health professionals' careful assessment and attention. This thesis aimed to present a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and practises concerning such behaviour. This goal was achieved by presenting information on the epidemiology, etiology, classification, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and prevention strategies associated with nonsuicidal self-injury. A thorough literature review was conducted by sourcing studies from Google Scholar, PubMed, and other reputable sources. Additionally, 30 participants were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and others who work with children in the inpatient unit, with the goal of gaining insight into current clinical practises across various Lithuanian hospitals. According to the interview findings, nonsuicidal self-injury was more common in adolescents than in children and continued to persist among inpatients. Despite the hospital's safety procedures, patients frequently devised alternate methods to self-harm, such as hitting and scratching themselves and using non-specific materials. While most cases resulted in minor physical consequences, some required intensive medical treatment. Self-harm was addressed by staff through risk assessment, observation, and communication. To discourage actual self-injurious behaviour, safety contracts, pain-inducing stimuli such as ice or elastic bands, and other self-harm mimicking behaviours were used. Such methods, however, may be inefficient and, at worst, harmful. As a result, the ultimate objective of this thesis was to inform the development of effective evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents. |
