Abstract
The authors describe auto-destructive symptoms during adolescence within the spectrum of risky adolescent behaviour, self-harm and suicidal behaviour. Risky behaviour can mean things like substance abuse, unprotected sex or adrenaline sports.
Self-harm refers to conscious and purposeful harming of oneself, by means such as cutting, burning or swallowing objects. Its intent is not to cause death in itself, it is however a major risk factor for future suicidal behaviour.
Suicidal behaviour denotes a spectrum of suicidal thoughts, gestures, attempts or successful suicides. The authors list risk factors connected to these types of autodestructive behaviour and they also mention psychiatric disorders which are often linked to it.
Namely disharmonic personality development, depressive disorder or an eating disorder.