Out Of The Darkness Nonsuicidal Self Injury Essay

Out of the Darkness: Nonsuicidal Self Injury Self mutilation, banging, self harm, cutting, burning, self injury—these are words used to describe the action of nonsuicidal self injury (NSSI). NSSI is currently in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-The Fifth Edition (DSM-V) under the categories of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and topics for further study. In BPD, NSSI is considered a symptom of the disorder itself. In the category of topics for further study, a set of diagnostic criteria is given, as if was classified as a mental disorder; however, the criteria is not intended for clinical use and may only be used to conduct research on the topic. Topics under this category are usually on their way to becoming a classified mental disorder but do not have quite enough clinical research and information yet to actually become a diagnosis. NSSI should become a complete diagnosis because diagnoses lead to comprehensive treatment and understanding of th e illness, better insurance coverage for those with the illness, and social enlightenment about the illness. Distinct diagnosis for NSSI would lead to more comprehensive treatment and understanding of the mental illness. Currently, every set of criterion differs depending on the entity conducting the study so no data is comparable. In the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-V, NSSI is labeled under the category of which to conduct furthers study. Diagnosis