Nonsuicidal self-injury: A review of current research for family medicine and primary care physicians

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.