Drenth, Ellen (2025) Understanding the Biology of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Neurobiological Perspective on Emotion Regulation and Reward Processing. Master's Thesis / Essay, Biomedical Sciences.
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Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a complex and heterogeneous behavior, often used as a maladaptive coping mechanism for emotion regulation. This essay integrates recent neurobiological research on NSSI, focusing on the roles of emotion regulation and reward processing. Neuroimaging studies highlight fronto-limbic dysfunction, where reduced prefrontal control and heightened limbic activity contribute to emotional reactivity and impulsivity, increasing vulnerability to self-harm. Additionally, alterations in reward-related neural circuits, including the dopaminergic and endogenous opioid systems, may reinforce NSSI as a habit-forming behavior. Further research is needed to clarify unresolved questions, such as the opioid homeostasis theory and the role of dopamine in self-injury. Understanding these mechanisms may improve treatment and prevention, potentially aiding in the development of pharmaceutical interventions. By studying NSSI independently of psychiatric diagnoses, an improved understanding of its neurobiological mechanisms can be unraveled, potentially improving therapeutic and pharmaceutical strategies.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master's Thesis / Essay) |
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| Supervisor name: | Kas, M.J.H. |
| Degree programme: | Biomedical Sciences |
| Thesis type: | Master's Thesis / Essay |
| Language: | English |
| Date Deposited: | 04 Feb 2025 08:50 |
| Last Modified: | 04 Feb 2025 08:50 |
| URI: | https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/34662 |
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