Managing Suicidality and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorder Treatment

Abstract

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) have elevated risk for self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) relative to people without EDs, yet no treatments of EDs specifically address SITBs. All patients with EDs should complete a safety plan early in treatment and should receive evidence-based ED interventions. For patients with EDs and SITBs, clinicians should additionally develop an integrative approach that incorporates evidence-based SITB interventions into the ED treatment plan. Effective clinical management of SITBs relies on (1) routine assessment, (2) evidence-based interventions commensurate with the level of risk, and (3) clear documentation.