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Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to behaviors that involve deliberate self-harm and are used as a coping mechanism for emotional pain. In adolescents, NSSI is a risk factor for considering suicide attempts due to the physical and psychological challenges that arise when dealing with conflicting emotions at a personal or social level. Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) has proven to be an effective intervention for young people with self-harm due to its effectiveness in implementing emotional regulation techniques. To describe the effectiveness of DBT-A in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury. Bibliographic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and LILACS were searched, using MeSH terms, DeCs, and Boolean operators. The search included studies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese from the last 10 years, with open access, that were primary studies that included the research variables. The Rayyan digital platform was used for the selection and screening of articles that were clearly and thoroughly documented using the PRISMA method and validated with the CASPE and NHLBI guidelines. Eight studies were identified that showed a significant reduction in NSSI during and after treatment with DBT-A, thanks to the management of emotional dysregulation, constant behavioral monitoring, change strategies, acceptance and validation focused on improving interpersonal relationships, especially those with parents. Most RCTs had a small sample size and included suicide as a central theme and not only non-suicidal self-harm. DBT-A was shown to be effective in reducing NSSI because it works with dynamic practical units in safe and controlled environments, and also involves parental participation, which, given the age of the research population, generates long-term benefits.
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