Lifetime history of non-suicidal self-injury in people diagnosed with gender dysphoria: association with psychological features and perceived discrimination

Trans people were shown to have a higher prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) (1). Lower self-esteem, social support and higher victimization were reported to be associated with self-injury in trans people (2, 3).... [ view full abstract ]

Trans people were shown to have a higher prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) (1). Lower self-esteem, social support and higher victimization were reported to be associated with self-injury in trans people (2, 3). High rate of suicide attempts was recently reported in a Turkish sample (4).

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NSSI in a clinical group of individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria in Turkey, and assess association with demographic, clinic, psychological features. [ view full abstract ]

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of NSSI in a clinical group of individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria in Turkey, and assess association with demographic, clinic, psychological features.

Participants were recruited among individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria in psychiatry outpatient clinic. History of NSSI and suicide attempt, presence of lifetime and current mental disorders were evaluated with a... [ view full abstract ]

Participants were recruited among individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria in psychiatry outpatient clinic. History of NSSI and suicide attempt, presence of lifetime and current mental disorders were evaluated with a clinical interview. Perceived discrimination was assessed with Perceived Discrimination Scale (PDS) which was two subscales: personal and group. Hopelessness was evaluated with Beck’ Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used to assess depressive symptoms. Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale was used to assess level of self-esteem. Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to evaluate social support.

Participants with and without history of NSSI behavior were compared with respect to their scores in BHS, BDI, PDS and MSPSS, levels of self-esteem according to RSE. In addition, demographic, clinical and transition-related... [ view full abstract ]

Participants with and without history of NSSI behavior were compared with respect to their scores in BHS, BDI, PDS and MSPSS, levels of self-esteem according to RSE. In addition, demographic, clinical and transition-related features were compared.

Among 134 individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 74 % were assigned male at birth, mean age was 25. Lifetime history of NSSI was present in 28.4 %, suicide attempt in 23.9 %;12.7 % had both. Current and lifetime... [ view full abstract ]

Among 134 individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria, 74 % were assigned male at birth, mean age was 25. Lifetime history of NSSI was present in 28.4 %, suicide attempt in 23.9 %;12.7 % had both. Current and lifetime diagnosis of mental disorder were 21.6 % and 46.3 %, respectively. Participants with history of NSSI had higher scores indicating higher hopelessness (p = .002), and perceived personal discrimination (p = .01). Scores of BDI, MSPSS and perceived group discrimination scale were not different. History of NSSI was less frequent in participants with higher level of self-esteem (p = .003). There were no age and gender difference between participants with and without NSSI history, however, those with NSSI history had higher rates of lifetime diagnosis with mental disorders, but not current.

Lifetime history of NSSI was associated with persisting hopelessness and higher percevied discrimination, although prevalance of current depression was similar. NSSI merits research interest regarding its prevalance and... [ view full abstract ]

Lifetime history of NSSI was associated with persisting hopelessness and higher percevied discrimination, although prevalance of current depression was similar. NSSI merits research interest regarding its prevalance and association with psychological features. Predictors and effective means of prevention of NSSI behavior should be assessed in follow-up studies.

References
1. Marshall E, Claes L, Bouman WP, Witcomb GL, Arcelus J (2016) Non-suicidal self-injury and suicidality in trans people: A systematic review of the literature. Int Rev Psychiatry 28:58-69.
2. Claes L, Bouman WP, witcomb G, Thuston M, Fernandez-Aranda F, Arcelus J (2015) Non-suicidal self-injury in trans people: association with psychological symptoms, victimization, interpersonal functioning, and perceived social support. J Sex Med 12:168-79.

3. Davey A, Arcelus J, Meyer C, Bouman WP (2016) self-injury among trans individuals and matched controls: prevalence and associated factors. Health Soc Care Community 24:485-94.

4. Yüksel Ş, Aslantaş Ertekin B, Öztürk M, Bıkmaz PS, Oğlağu Z (2016) A clinically neglected topic: Risk of suicide in transgender individuals. Arch Neuropschiatry 53: doi: 10.5152/npa.2016.10075.