Self-mutilation or self-injury is any form of self-harm inflicted on your body without the intent to commit suicide. Self-mutilation is a compulsive act that may be performed to release emotional pain, anger, or anxiety; to rebel against authority; to flirt with risk-taking; or to feel in control. In some cases, the behavior is outside your emotional control and related to a neurological or metabolic disorder.
Self-mutilation is a severe impulse control disorder that is often associated with other psychiatric disorders. These include:
It can also be associated with neurologic or metabolic disorders such as:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for self-mutilation include:
- Childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
- Violence or other abusive relationships in childhood home
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Incarceration
- Sex: female
- Age: adolescence
- Mental retardation
- Autism
-
Certain metabolic disorders
The symptoms of self-mutilation vary. The most common symptoms include:
- Cutting of skin with a sharp object (most common)
- Skin carving or burning
- Self-punching or scratching
- Needle sticking
- Head banging
- Eye pressing
- Finger, lips, or arm biting
- Pulling out one's hair
- Picking at one's skin
Rarely, in very severe cases, self-mutilation can include:
- Broken bones
- Amputation
- Castration
- Suicide
Self-mutilation can be difficult to diagnose. People who self-mutilate often feel guilty and ashamed about their behavior, and may try to hide it. A doctor may first see the physical harm caused by self-mutilation. To be diagnosed, symptoms should meet the following criteria:
- Preoccupation with physically harming oneself
- Inability to resist self-injurious behavior resulting in tissue damage
- Increased tension before and a sense of relief after self-injury
- Having no suicidal intent in the self-mutilation
Treatment usually includes medical and psychological treatment, and medications.
A doctor will assess whether care needs to be provided immediately to prevent further harm due to ingestion, wound, or other bodily harm.
A psychosocial assessment may be administered to assess a person’s mental capacity, level of distress, and presence of mental illness.
Psychologic treatment may be done either one-to-one or in a group setting. It is usually aimed at finding and treating the underlying emotional difficulty, trauma, or disorder. It may also include cognitive-behavioral interventions.
Medications used include:
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Mood regulators
- Anticonvulsants
The best preventative measure is to seek professional help as soon as possible for depression, trauma, emotional problems, or other disorders that may lead to self-mutilation.
Last reviewed May 2008 by Theodor B. Rais, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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