Research paperNon-suicidal self-injury in Mexican young adults: Prevalence, associations with suicidal behavior and psychiatric disorders, and DSM-5 proposed diagnostic criteria

- Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of NSSI was 18.6% and 3.2% respectively.
- One-third were recurrent self-injurers, engaging in the behavior five or more times.
- Most do not meet full DSM-5 proposed criteria due to a lack of reported impairment.
- Less than 40% of those who self-injure report impairment.
- NSSI was associated with psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior.

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) may lead to scarring, infection, accidental death and psychological distress. Little is known about NSSI in the general population of young adults in developing countries like Mexico. The current study examined the prevalence of any NSSI and each type of NSSI, the prevalence of meeting DSM-5 proposed criteria, and finally the association of NSSI with socio-demographic variables, suicidal behavior and psychiatric disorders.MethodsThis study was conducted in a community sample of 1071 young adults between 19 and 26 years of age residents of Mexico City.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of NSSI was 18.56% with females having 87% greater odds. The 12-month prevalence was 3.19%. Only 0.22% of the total sample and 6.96% of those that self-injured in the past 12 months met full criteria proposed by DSM-5, in part due to the lack of reported impairment; 39.99% of those that self-injured reported impairment. Suicidal behavior commonly co-occurred with NSSI. All lifetime anxiety, mood, disruptive behavior and substance use disorders were associated with greater risk for lifetime NSSI whereas only 12-month depression and substance use disorder was associated with greater risk of 12-month NSSI.LimitationsThe cross-sectional nature of the study precludes conclusions of causality and directionality and the study excluded institutionalized and homeless young adults.ConclusionsNSSI is a concerning problem in young adults from Mexico City due to the important associations with all types of psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior. Because many who self-injure do not perceive impairment, they are unlikely to seek treatment.