DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2026.v12i06.017

Pages: 666-671

Background and objective: Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterised by emotional instability, identity disturbance, and marked impulsivity, which frequently manifest as self-injurious and suicidal behaviours. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) constitutes one of the diagnostic criteria of BPD according to DSM-5-TR and represents a major risk factor for suicide attempts (SA). This study aimed to analyse, in a sample of patients with BPD, the associations between the presence of NSSI and the number of SAs, hospitalisations for SA, method used, psychiatric comorbidities, and family history of suicidal behaviour. Methods: A descriptive and analytical study was conducted on 65 patients diagnosed with BPD according to DSM-5-TR criteria. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence (n = 47, 72.3%) or absence (n = 18, 27.7%) of NSSI. Comparisons were performed using the odds ratios (ORs). Results: Patients with NSSI showed significantly higher rates of SA history (89.4% vs 44.4%; p < 0.001), a greater number of SAs (median 3 vs 1; p = 0.044), an earlier age at first SA (16.8 vs 20.4; p = 0.040), a higher frequency of childhood trauma (89.4% vs 61.1%; p = 0.009), and severe depression (Beck grades 2–3: 89.4% vs 44.4%; p < 0.001). No significant difference was found for SA method, number of hospitalisations, addictive comorbidity, or family history of suicidal behaviour. Conclusion: Self-injury is strongly associated with more severe and earlier suicidality in BPD. It constitutes an essential clinical marker for risk stratification and for tailoring the intensity of therapeutic interventions.