Focus on physical, emotional and social needs can result in complete cessation of SIB

Parents, teachers, and healthcare providers are among those most concerned by an alarming increase in self-injurious behaviors (SIB) among young people. Indeed, it has been estimated that the trend has doubled in the past three years and continues to climb as the seemingly bizarre behavior reaches into the middle schools. Despite this emerging epidemic, effective treatment for this challenging anomaly remains elusive.

Mary Askew, DNP, APN, an expert in SIB, will speak at the annual NJSNA joint meeting of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses and FORUM for Nurses in Advanced Practice on June 6th at the NJSNA headquarters. Dr. Askew will present a comprehensive model for understanding the complex nature of self-harm, and for guiding clinical care. She will demonstrate how utilizing multiple treatment approaches that focus on physical, emotional and social needs can result in complete cessation of SIB.

Dr. Askew, a Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurse is Director of two intensive residential treatment programs serving children and adolescents at Youth Consultation Services. In addition, she is a clinician at the World of Wellness in East Orange and has a private practice in Ramsey. Dr. Askew has published and lectured extensively on the topic of self-injurious behavior. She is currently Vice President of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses.

The meeting will include general business of the Society of Psychiatric Advanced Practice Nurses and FNAP, lunch and lecture. 1.5 Contact hours will be awarded for this activity. Meetings are open to members, prospective members and guests by invitation.