Co-occurring disorders in the treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury: An evidence-informed approach

Co-occurring disorders are common among patients who present for treatment with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Evidence-based approaches specifically designed for the treatment of NSSI are limited, although interest in this area of research is growing. An evidence-informed model for the treatment of NSSI and co-occurring disorders is presented here to stimulate interest in addressing co-occurring disorders in the treatment of NSSI. Case examples are presented to highlight the complexity of treating NSSI and co-occurring disorders and to illustrate a model of treatment at the acute level of care. The case examples also underscore the need for clinical researchers to address co-occurring disorders when developing treatments specifically for NSSI.