Efficacy of Mentalization-based Treatment for Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescents

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents has emerged as a critical public health concern. A growing body of research has applied Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) to treat adolescent selfharm behaviors. This study systematically examines the therapeutic efficacy of MBT to inform clinical practice. We collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of MBT in treating adolescent NSSI and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Seven articles were included, analyzing the effects of distinct MBT protocols on outcomes including self-harm behaviors, depressive symptoms, interpersonal patterns, and comorbid conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Limitations and future research directions were also synthesized. Results suggest MBT holds promise in reducing NSSI in adolescents, but its superiority over alternative psychological interventions necessitates further empirical validation.