Psychological characteristics of women with depression and self-harming behavior

Abstract

In this study we investigate the psychological characteristics of women diagnosed with depression who have and self-harm history. Differences between depressed patients with self-harm and those with no self-harm history are described.
Methods: The study involved 62 patients diagnosed with depression (age 16–23), 36 of whom have experienced self-harm episodes and 26 patients have not. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used. The methods included Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Implicit Associations Test (IAT), SCL-90-R, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Body Investment Scale (BIS). Results: Our results describe psychological characteristics, which distinguish a group of depressed women with the history of self-harm from patients with depression with no self-harm experience. In the self-harm group, a discrepancy between the components of the depressive triad was revealed: the motor and ideator inhibition were less pronounced whereas the affective component was pronounced stronger compared to no self-harm group. The self-harm group demonstrated lower attention to bodily symptoms, lower body’s worth and neglect towards its protection. The results of prior studies have been confirmed: depressed patients with self-harm history showed increased suicidal risk, lower self-esteem, high level of guilt and increased sensitivity. The latter can become a vulnerability factor. A better understanding of the psychological characteristics of patients with self-harm history can contribute to more precise choice of therapeutic treatment.