Self-harming and suicidal behaviors in personality disorders

Demographic and clinical aspects of suicidal and self-harming behaviors among patients with avoidant and borderline personality disorder

Background

Patients with borderline personality disorder have a significantly increased risk of suicide, suicide attempts and self-harm as shown in numerous studies. There is still a great need for more in-depth knowledge about which subgroups within this heterogeneous patient group have the greatest risk of suicidal behavior and self-harm.

Aims

The project aims to investigate suicidal and self-harming behavior and a number of other psychological functions and problems relevant to such behavior in a large cohort of patients with borderline personality disorder treated at clinical units participating in the Network for Personality Disorders. The aim is to gain more in-depth knowledge of which groups are most at risk and which factors increase the risk. The results of the study will be of great importance for further planning and development of treatment for patients with borderline personality disorder.

Organization

The project is a collaboration between researchers at NSSF and the Network for Personality Disorders, Section for Personality Psychiatry at the Clinic for Mental Health and Addiction at Oslo University Hospital HF.

Project group

  • Lars Mehlum (leader)
  • Ina Bekkevold-Jernberg
  • Geir Pedersen
  • Elfrida Kvarstein

Current status

Data collection has been completed and a manuscript is under preparation.

Financing

The project is financed by the Norwegian Directorate of Health.

Reference

  • Conference presentation: Bekkevold-Jernberg, I., Pedersen, G., Kvarstein, E. H., Mehlum, L. (2021). Avoidant Personality Disorder and Deliberate Self-Harm. ISSPD Personality Disorder Congress, virtuell, Oslo.
Published June 23, 2023 4:07 PM - Last modified Dec. 12, 2023 4:39 PM