Self-harm
In working with youth who engage in self-harm, it is important to work within a team, which may include family, primary care, mental health support, school, and potentially other community supports. Treatment evidence is relatively limited, but there is some evidence to support use of cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and mentalization-based therapy. Regardless, work will likely be long term and at times intensive in addressing the problems leading to self-harm behavior.6
Dr. Strange is an assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center and University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine, both in Burlington. She works with children and adolescents. She has no relevant financial disclosures.
References
1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association Publishing, 2013)
2. J Adolesc. 2014 Dec;37(8):1335-44.
3. Behav Ther. 2017 May; 48(3):366-79.
4. Acad Pediatr. 2012 May-Jun;12(3):205-13.
5. “Information for parents: What you need to know about self-injury.” The Fact Sheet Series, Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery. 2009.
