An open trial of auricular acupuncture for the treatment of repetitive self-injury in depressed adolescents

Repetitive self-injurious behavior (SIB) is frequently seen in depressed adolescents. In addition to it providing relief for dysphoric symptoms there is evidence of an addictive component to this behaviour. Because auricular acupuncture (AA) has been shown to be effective as an adjunct treatment to cocaine dependence, we wished to test the feasibility and potential efficacy of this treatment in depressed adolescents with repetitive SIB. Our pilot results suggest that AA is an acceptable treatment in this group and that it may be an effective adjunct treatment for repetitive SIB. Moreover, decreases in SIB were evident while depressive symptoms remained unchanged.