STAR

Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (NSSV), longitudinal, neurobiology, online therapy, Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), e-learning/blended learning

• Heidelberg University Hospital
• Central Institute for Mental Health Mannheim
• University of Landau/Koblenz
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

11/2017-10/2021

Background:

Non-suicidal self-injurious behaviour (NSSV) is defined as repetitive, voluntary destruction of one's own body tissue that is not socially accepted. NSSI is reported at least once by about 35% of German adolescents and young adults. NSSV often occurs in combination with various psychiatric disorders. However, it is not yet clear why NSSV remits spontaneously after some time in many patients, but persists for many years in others. To date, very little research exists on how adolescents can be supported in ending NSSV.

Objectives:

Possible psychological and neurobiological mechanisms that could contribute to the cessation of NSSV will be assessed (e.g. using psychological diagnostics, ecological momentary assessment (EMA), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), genotyping, online therapy services). By analysing the factors that contribute to the cessation of NSSV, it should be possible to plan and implement future intervention and prevention services in a targeted manner in order to improve psychosocial care in this area.

Adolescents and young adults aged between 14 and 21 can take part in the project. A total of 2000 participants will be recruited and tracked over 18 months using online questionnaires. Of these participants, 700 will also be randomised to take part in either online psychoeducation (n=350) or online therapy (n=350). Another 300 subjects will be interviewed at clinical centres on site with psychological interviews and take part in neurobiological examinations (fMRI, genotyping, cortisol) and EMA. To test this group of 300 people with NSSV, 150 healthy control subjects will take part in the on-site examinations.

In a further sub-project, knowledge of the current AWMF guidelines on NSSV will be surveyed online among healthcare professionals (n=500). In a further step, e-learning and blended learning training programmes on the topic have been created and will be reviewed as part of the project.

BMBF