An observational naturalistic study on non-suicidal self-harm behaviours in a cohort of adolescents and young inpatients during COVID-19 outbreak

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) include deliberate behaviours with the intent to self-injure. NSSH prevalence ranges 15.5%-31.3% in adolescents and young adults<25 years-old. Objective(s) Our aim is characterizing the psychopathological domains occurring in adolescent and young adults with NSSH during the second COVID-19-related wave (October 2020-August 2021). Method(s) A cross-sectional study recruited inpatients aged 15-24 consecutively afferent to psychiatric ward due to NSSH, by investigating anger rumination(ARS), emotional regulation (DERS), dissociation (DES-II), metacognitive capabilities(MCQ-30), perceived stress (PSS), self-criticism (LOSCS), emotional intelligence (Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test-RMET), aggressiveness (AQ), impulsiveness (BIS-11), hopelessness(BHS), alexithymia (TAS-20). NSSH were characterized by using suicide score scale(SSS) and deliberate self-harm interview (DSHI). Result(s) A 7-fold increase in young inpatient access was observed from 2019 to 2021. DSHI median was 2 (95%CI=1,17-2,73), SSS-12months median was 5 (95%CI=4.2-6.7), SSS-lifetime median was 5 (95%CI=3.4-5.3) and MINI median was 5 (95% CI=3.4-4.7). Linear regression analysis and Pearson's correlations revealed strong correlations between DSHI and BHS (r=0.550), TAS-20 (r=0.495), AQ-hostility(r=0.529),AQ-total (r=0.446), PSS (r=0.454), DERS-total (r=0.621), DERS-lack-of-control (r=0.658),MCQ-total(r=0.534),MCQ-perception-danger-not- control (r=0.583);between SSS-12months and AQ-total (r=0.456), AQ-Anger (r=0.443), BIS-total(r=0.457),BIS-Attentional-Impulsiveness (r=0.511),BIS-Complex-Motor-Impulsiveness (r=0.507), PSS (r=0.617), DERS(r=0.571), DES(r=0.559). Conclusion(s) COVID-19-related increased perceived stress and depressive symptomatology may have facilitated the onset of severe NSSH in adolescents and young people with trait impulsiveness, hostility and affective dysregulation.