
Is NSSI a Disorder?
Home / About Self-Injury / Is NSSI a Disorder?
A "Condition for Further Study"
The short answer is no, NSSI is not a disorder; however, in 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder (NSSI-D) as a condition for further study in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ISSS was consulted during the development of the proposed criteria for NSSI-D, where concerns and benefits of the diagnosis were discussed.
​
There are currently six diagnostic criteria, and ISSS members continue to be involved in research to improve the reliability and validity of these criteria.
​
Criterion A
The first criterion relates to the frequency of self-injury. To meet this criterion, self-injury must have occurred on at least five days during the previous 12 months.
Criterion B
The second criterion relates to the reasons for engaging in self-injury. To meet this criterion, self-injury must have occurred for one or more of the following reasons:
-
To reduce negative thoughts or emotions
-
To manage interpersonal difficulties
-
To induce a positive state
Criterion C​
There are several components captured by the third criterion. To meet this criterion, self-injury must meet one of more of the following​
-
Be preceded by:
-
negative thoughts/emotions
-
conflict with others
-
-
Involve preoccupation with self-injury that is difficult to resist
-
Involve recurrent thoughts about self-injury
Criterion D​
This is an exclusion criterion, and stipulates that the self-injurious behaviours must not be socially sanctioned. Therefore, behaviours that cause injury but are socially acceptable, such as piercing or body modification, are excluded.
Criterion E
As with other disorders outlined in the DSM, to meet this criterion, the self-injury must cause distress or interfere with an individual's quality of life.
Criterion F
As with other disorders outlined in the DSM, to meet this criterion, the self-injury must cause distress or interfere with an individual's quality of life.
​