%0 Journal Article %J J Am Board Fam Med %D 2010 %T Nonsuicidal self-injury: a review of current research for family medicine and primary care physicians. %A Kerr, Patrick L %A Muehlenkamp, Jennifer J %A Turner, James M %K Adolescent %K Comorbidity %K Cross-Sectional Studies %K Family Practice %K Humans %K Mental Disorders %K Patient Care Team %K Primary Health Care %K Referral and Consultation %K Risk Factors %K Self-Injurious Behavior %K Suicide %K Suicide, Attempted %X

Self-injury is a dangerous behavior that is different from suicidal behavior but is associated with increased risk of suicide attempts. Some effective psychological treatments for self-injury exist. Physicians in family medicine and primary care settings play a vital role as a first step in the treatment process for those who self-injure. Physicians can enhance the care provided to those who self-injure via the accurate assessment of risk, the understanding of the functions of the behavior, assisting the patient in identifying motivations for treatment and treatment options, and provision of long-term behavioral and risk monitoring. This article summarizes the current scientific knowledge regarding the clinical features, epidemiology, assessment methods, and existing treatments of self-injury. The role of the primary care physician in the treatment of patients who self-injure is specifically outlined.

%B J Am Board Fam Med %V 23 %P 240-59 %8 03/2010 %G eng %N 2 %1

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20207935?dopt=Abstract

%R 10.3122/jabfm.2010.02.090110