Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to direct and deliberate destruction of body tissue in the absence of any observable intent to die.1 It most commonly occurs among adolescents,2 typically beginning at age 12-14 years.3 The authors report the case of Ms J, a 57-year-old woman with co-morbid major depression, dysthymia and alcohol dependence, treated in a concurrent disorders (CD) clinic. During a recent major depressive episode, and while consuming large quantities of alcohol, she engaged in NSSI for the first time. We discuss the importance of assessing and diagnosing NSSI in adulthood, particularly in the context of concurrent psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders.
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