Understanding self-harm and its treatment
Aspects of Self-harm - Cognition, Imaging and Treatability
This study looks at the thoughts and feelings of people who self-harm, those who have stopped, and others without self-harm to see how their mental health and brain function differ, with the hope of improving treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Region Skane Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lund, Skåne County) |
| Trial ID | NCT04905797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to enhance understanding of deliberate self-harm (DSH) by examining cognitive, psychiatric, and demographic factors among individuals with DSH, those who have ceased DSH, psychiatric patients without DSH, and healthy individuals. Participants will undergo interviews and standardized neuropsychological testing, including brain imaging, to assess executive function and emotional responses. The study seeks to identify differences in functioning and psychiatric symptoms across these groups, with the long-term goal of personalizing treatment for DSH.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-65 with a psychiatric disorder currently undergoing treatment and a history of deliberate self-harm.
Not a fit: Patients with no history of self-harm or those with chronic psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved and personalized treatment strategies for individuals suffering from self-harm.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on self-harm, this approach focusing on cognitive and demographic factors alongside brain imaging is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria for persistent DSH group: * Adults 18-65 years. * Ability to leave informed consent. * Understands and uses the Swedish language without significant difficulties. * Psychiatric disorder and ongoing treatment at an adult psychiatric clinic. * DSH at least five times during the last three months, and DSH at least ten times during at least one year. Exclusion criteria for persistent DSH group: * No history of DSH, and/or DSH fewer than five times during the last three months and fewer than ten times during at least one year * Diagnosis of Intellectual disability * Diagnosis of chronic psychotic disorder * Hearing disability, visual impairment or motor disorder that rules out the ability to complete neurocognitive tasks Inclusion criteria for those who have ceased DSH group: * Adults 18-65 years. * Ability to leave informed consent. * Understands and uses the Swedish language without significant difficulties. * Psychiatric disorder and ongoing treatment at an adult psychiatric clinic. * No DSH during the last three months, but DSH at least ten times during at least one year. Exclusion criteria for those who have ceased DSH group: * Any DSH during the last three months, and/or fewer than ten times during the at least one year * Diagnosis of Intellectual disability * Diagnosis of chronic psychotic disorder * Hearing disability, visual impairment or motor disorder that rules out the ability to complete neurocognitive tasks Inclusion criteria for psychiatric disorder with no history of DSH group: * Adults 18-65 years. * Ability to leave informed consent. * Understands and uses the Swedish language without significant difficulties. * Psychiatric disorder and ongoing treatment at an adult psychiatric clinic. Exclusion criteria for psychiatric disorder with no history of DSH group: * Any DSH during the last three months, and more than two times during lifetime * Diagnosis of Intellectual disability * Diagnosis of chronic psychotic disorder * Hearing disability, visual impairment or motor disorder that rules out the ability to complete neurocognitive tasks Inclusion criteria for healthy control group: * Adults 18-65 years. * Ability to leave informed consent. * Understands and uses the Swedish language without significant difficulties. Exclusion criteria for healthy control group: * Diagnosed with any psychiatric disorder * Any DSH during the last three months, and more than two times during lifetime * Hearing disability, visual impairment or motor disorder that rules out the ability to complete neurocognitive tasks
Where this trial is running
Lund, Skåne County
- Psykiatri och habilitering, Region Skåne — Lund, Skåne County, Sweden (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sofie Westling, MD PhD — Region Skane
- Study coordinator: Sofie Westling, MD PhD
- Email: sofie.westling@med.lu.se
- Phone: +46174901
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.