Research progress on addictive features and reward circuit mechanisms in non-suicidal self-injury and the feasibility of precision neuromodulation.

Authors

Jiao Li, Yan Zhang, Qiangli Dong

Published in

Frontiers in psychiatry. Volume 17. Pages 1778566. Epub Jul 07, 2026.

Abstract

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) presents a significant public health challenge; however, its underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain insufficiently understood, limiting the development of targeted interventions. Emerging evidence suggests that NSSI exhibits core addictive features, such as compulsive urges and tolerance, which may be driven by dysfunctions in the brain's reward circuitry. This review synthesizes current research on the neural overlaps between NSSI and addiction, specifically focusing on the dysregulation of the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex. Based on this mechanistic framework, we propose the potential of Stanford Accelerated Intelligent Neuromodulation Therapy (SAINT)-a high-dose, functional connectivity-guided transcranial magnetic stimulation protocol-as a precision treatment for NSSI. By targeting specific reward network deficits, SAINT may offer a novel, rapid-acting therapeutic strategy for patients who do not respond to conventional pharmacological or psychological interventions.

PMID:
42483101
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 05 Oct 2026.

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