2180 – Non-suicidal Self-injury And Interpersonal Violence In Suicide Attempters

Abstract

There is increasing evidence for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as a risk factor for future suicidal behavior. Although sparse, research has shown that individuals who engage in both NSSI and suicide attempts (SA) have more complex psychopathology, lower psychosocial functioning and more self-rated aggression and impulsivity than individuals with NSSI alone or SA alone. Both exposure to interpersonal violence as a child and expressed violent behaviour as an adult are risk factors for completed suicide. The current study compares characteristics of suicidal behaviour and interpersonal violence in suicide attempters with and without a history of NSSI. A total of 100 suicide attempters (33 men and 67 women) were enrolled in the study and assessed with Karolinska Interpersonal Violence Scale (KIVS) and Karolinska Suicide History Interview concerning interpersonal violence and NSSI.

Results

There was a high degree of comorbid NSSI in our sample of suicide attempters (44%). Suicide attempters with both behaviours reported more interpersonal violence as adults (Z=3.0, p=0.003) and more severe suicidal behaviour compared to suicide attempters without NSSI. Comorbid NSSI in suicide attempters seems to be related to severity of suicidal behaviour differently in male and female suicide attempters. Comorbid NSSI in suicide attempters may increase suicide and violence risk, and methods for assessment of both violence and NSSI are important for targeting and intervention.