Understanding self-harm behavior in at-risk adolescents

Influences on and Prevention of Self-harm Behaviour Among the Most At-risk Adolescents

Observational University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine · NCT05765864

This study is trying to understand the risks of self-harm in at-risk teens who have been hospitalized for suicide risk, to help create better treatment guidelines.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages13 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ljubljana and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05765864 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to identify acute and long-term risks associated with self-harm behaviors in adolescents, particularly those hospitalized for suicide risk. It will involve approximately 200 at-risk adolescents and an equal number of healthy controls, assessing various demographic, clinical, and psychological factors through questionnaires and genetic analyses. The study will track self-harm incidents and evaluate changes in risk factors over time, ultimately developing guidelines for more effective treatment of these behaviors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adolescents aged 13-19 who exhibit self-harming behaviors without suicidal intent.

Not a fit: Patients with confirmed acute psychotic disorders, severe physical illnesses, or those who have a history of suicidality or self-injurious behavior in a first-degree relative may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved identification and treatment strategies for adolescents at risk of self-harm.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying risk factors for self-harm in adolescents, but this specific approach is novel in its comprehensive methodology.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
CLINICAL GROUP:

Inclusion Criteria:

* Suicidality
* Self-harming with no intention to die

Exclusion Criteria:

* Confirmed acute psychotic disorder
* Intellectual disability
* Severe physical illness (e.g. cardiovascular or renal disease)
* Disease of the central nervous system (e.g. encephalitis, brain injury or haemorrhage, epilepsy)
* Acute poisoning (including with psychoactive substances)

CONTROL GROUP:

Inclusion Criteria:

\- Age 13-19

Exclusion criteria:

* Suicidality
* Self-harming with no intention to die
* Known mental disorder (e.g. depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability)
* Severe physical illness (e.g. cardiovascular or renal disease)
* Disease of the central nervous system (e.g. encephalitis, brain injury or haemorrhage, epilepsy)
* Acute poisoning (including with psychoactive substances)
* Mental disorder, history of suicidality or self-injurious behaviour in a first-degree relative (a parent or a sibling).

Where this trial is running

Ljubljana and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Self-harmPersonality Disorder, BorderlineEpigenetic DisorderNon-Suicidal Self InjuryChangeMentalDifference, Individualadolescent
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.