#POV
#POV You’re The Doctor (Psychiatry): Season 4, Episode 10
Created with Tyler Beauchamp, medical student & author
#doctor #psychiatry #medicine #healthcare #medschool #premed #medstudent #jakegoodman
Disclaimer:
My content is for educational and marketing purposes and should not be used in place of therapy or treatment
Answer: B – begin psychotherapy
This patient presents with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is any type of self-injury to one’s body surface without suicidal intent (burns, scratches, cuts, bites). Managing these cases can be incredibly difficult: make sure the patient always feels supported through every step. In cases where suicide was attempted, in repeated injuries, or the injuries require immediate medical treatment, patients should be admitted for further care (Answer A).
In first time injuries not done to cope with stress/anxiety and without signs of future occurrence, management can simply involve education of future risks/red flags to watch for and reassurance (Answer C)[1].
In a case like this where the act was done to cope with underlying anxiety, psychotherapy (CBT, DBT) should be recommended to address the root cause of stress and develop healthier mechanisms for future triggers.
*Note: Informing parents of NSSI specifics in first-time, non-severe cases is up to the provider’s discretion
References:
Cipriano A, Cella S, Cotrufo P. Nonsuicidal Self-injury: A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Psychology. 2017; 8.