Question: In service users that self harm how effective is transcutaneous muscle stimulation (TENS) compared to treatment as usual / no treatment in reducing the severity of injuries sustained through self harming behaviours?

Answer:

No high quality research was found that examines the use of TENS in this way, therefore no clinical implications can be made. Three case studies were found that demonstrate the use of the intervention for this purpose, however due to the methodological limitations of the studies (single case studies, short term observations) the reliability of the conclusions are uncertain.