Neurobiological factors of self-harm behavior in patients with mental disorders

Non-suicidal self-harm behavior in mental disorders is a complex clinical phenomenon with a high prevalence among various groups of patients. Such behavioral patterns often precede suicidal intentions. However, despite the growing number of studies, currently many questions about the role of biological factors in the self-harm remain debatable. In this regard, the purpose of this review was to systematize data on the role of neurobiological factors in the non-suicidal self-harm. According to the materials studied, one of the promising theories may be the violation of the endogenous opioid system, as well as the role of neuroendocrine factors (in particular, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system) and neuroinflammatory mechanisms, the activation of which would explain the motivation for mutilation and the mechanism provoking this phenomenon. Research in this area can provide a better understanding of the motivation of this behavior, suggest new pharmacological methods of therapeutic effects on these clinical manifestations, identify possible tactics for determining risk and preventing non-suicidal self-harm, as well as shed light on the treatment of mood disorders, including to overcome therapeutic resistance and prevent suicidal behavior. Non-suicidal self-harm in mood disorders is a complex and controversial clinical phenomenon. Despite a large number of studies, currently many questions regarding the role of biological factors in the formation of non-suicidal self-injury remain unresolved. One promising theory is the violation of the endogenous opioid system and neuroinflammatory mechanisms, the activation of which would explain the self-harm motivation and mechanism of these acts. Research in this area can offer new pharmacological methods of therapeutic impact on these clinical phenomena, as well as shedding light on the treatment of mood disorders, such as overcoming therapeutic resistance and decrease suicide risks.