Dangerousness to Self

Dangerousness to self is a term used to describe patients who are self-injurious or who are suicidal. Self-injury, also known as nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), involves the intentional harm one causes to one’s body, without the intent to die. Conversely, suicide is the act of taking one’s own life.

There are a variety of factors that increase a patient’s risk of NSSI, including gender, age, mental health diagnosis, and substance use. NSSI occurs most frequently among female adolescents and young adults. It is more commonly found among patients diagnosed with an eating disorder, borderline personality disorder, or anxiety disorders. Common forms of NSSI involve cutting, burning, or scratching oneself. Patients will typically engage in NSSI while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and inflict varying degrees ...

  • Loading...
locked icon

Sign in to access this content

Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

  • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
  • Read modern, diverse business cases
  • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles