The Role of Endogenous Opioids in the Pathophysiology of Self-Injurious and Suicidal Behavior

While suicidal behaviour & non-suicidal self-injury are distinct behaviours, non-suicidal self-injury is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts & suicide. The high co-occurrence of these two behaviours suggests that they may share a common biology. Available data indicate that endogenous opioids may be involved in the pathophysiology of suicidal behaviour. Future studies of the role of opioids in the biological mechanisms of non-suicidal self-injury & suicidal behaviour are merited & may lead to the development of new treatment modalities. (80 refs.) JA