Self-harm and suicidal behavior in adolescence

Czech version

Authors: Jiří Koutek; Jana Kocourková
Authors‘ workplace: 2. lékařská fakulta ; Univerzita Karlova a Fakultní, nemocnice Motol, Praha ; Dětská psychiatrická klinika
Published in: Čes-slov Pediat 2026; 81 (1): 28-32.
Category: Journal Articles
doi: https://doi.org/10.55095/CSPediatrie2025/055

Overview

Self-harm and suicidal behavior fall within the spectrum of autoaggressive behavior, which is especially common during adolescence. Self-harm itself is not intended to lead to death, but it is a significant risk factor for suicidal behavior. It involves conscious, deliberate, repetitive self-injury without clear suicidal motivation. The most common forms of self-harm include cutting the skin (on the wrists, forearms, backs of hands), scratching, and carving symbols into the skin. Overdosing on medication, which is repetitive and without obvious suicidal intent, is often included in the category of self-harm. The occurrence of self-harm is particularly frequent among adolescents, with a higher prevalence among girls. It is often associated with personality pathology, with the most common diagnosis being borderline personality disorder, which is characterized by emotionally unstable traits, and possibly also dissocial and histrionic traits. The cause can also be linked to childhood trauma, such as emotional or sexual abuse. Suicidal behavior encompasses a wide range of autoaggressiveness, from suicidal ideations and tendencies to suicide attempts and completed suicides. A completed suicide is defined as the conscious and intentional ending of one’s life. The decision to die may not be clear-cut, and ambivalence is typical, especially in adolescence. Suicidal behavior is the result of a multifactorial process, in which multiple factors contribute to its course and outcome. Risk factors play an important role, for example, problems in family and peer relationships, the presence of a psychiatric disorder, the influence of social media. Suicidal behavior may be preceded by a pre-suicidal syndrome, which often includes somatic symptoms. Collaboration between pediatricians, psychologists, and child psychiatrists is crucial. In addition to addressing the physical condition, suicidal risk assessment and appropriate care must be ensured. The indispensable role of the general pediatrician lies in prevention.

Keywords:

prevention – adolescence – suicidal behavior – self-harm – suicidal risk

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