Clinical Research Directory

Aspects of Self-harm - Cognition, Imaging and Treatability

Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a common symptom in psychiatric disorders. This study aim at increased understanding of parameters associated with DSH with the long term goal to potentially improve and possibly personalise its treatment. In short, the study will characterise cognitive, psychiatric and demographic factors with focus on executive function and will compare results from individuals with DSH, individuals who have ceased DSH as well as psychiatric patients without DSH and individuals who never engaged in DSH. Adequate statistical tests will be used to compare groups. Participants will be interviewed by a trained physician for basic medical history, history of self-harm and treatment for that, demographic data and diagnostic evaluation. Thereafter the participants will undergo standardised neuropsychological testing focusing on emotional response inhibition, decision making and risk taking, attention set shifting, working memory, inhibition and planning. Some participants will redo parts of this testing during fMRI, as well as undergo DTI and volumetry.