Identifying Predictors of Suicide Attempt in Clinically-Referred Adolescents with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Abstract:
Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) represents a significant risk factor for subsequent suicide at tempts (SA) in adolescents. Despite this association, the specific predictors that facilitate the transition from NSSI to suicidal behavior within clinical populations remain insufficiently identified, which impedes early intervention efforts.
Methods: This longitudinal study seeks to identify clinical and psychological predictors of suicide attempts in adolescents with NSSI. A clinical sample of individuals aged 13 to 17 years who meet DSM-5 criteria for NSSI will be recruited from child psychiatry services. Participants will complete a comprehensive baseline assessment, with follow-up evaluations at 1, 3, and 6 months. The multi-method protocol will employ struc tured interviews (SITBI, SASII, C-SSRS) and self-report measures to assess self-injurious behaviors, suicid ality (SBQ-R), emotion regulation (DERS), impulsivity (UPPS-P), childhood trauma (CTQ), depressive and anxiety symptoms (CDI-2, RCADS, GAD-7), and perceived social support (MSPSS).
Results: Key predictors for the transition from NSSI to suicide attempts are expected to include emotional dys regulation, negative urgency, early trauma, and severity of depressive symptoms. It is hypothesized that these factors will significantly contribute to a predictive model, enabling estimation of suicide attempt risk over time.
Conclusion: Delineating the specific risk factors for suicide attempts in this high-risk group will contribute to the validation of NSSI as a distinct clinical syndrome within the continuum of self-harm. The findings are anticipated to inform the development of targeted screening tools and evidence-based preventive interventions, with the ultimate goal of reducing morbidity and mortality among adolescents with NSSI.
