Self-Mutilation

Self-Mutilation is any form of self-harm repetitively inflicted on ones body without the intent to commit suicide.Self-Mutilation becomes a way for a person to release emotional pain, anger, or anxiety. It often gives the person a feeling of control. Self-Mutilation often occurs with other self-harmful behavior, such as eating disorders.

Causes

Self-Mutilation is a severe impulse control disorder that is often associated with other psychiatric disorders. These include:
  • Borderline personality disorder (most common)
  • Depression
  • Substance abuse
  • Eating disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Antisocial personality disorders

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • Childhood sexual, physical, or emotional abuse
  • Violence or other abusive relationships in childhood home
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Incarceration
  • Sex: Female
  • Age: Adolescence

Symptoms

The symptoms of Self-Mutilation vary. The most common symptoms include repetitive:
  • Cutting of skin with a sharp object (most common)
  • Skin carving or burning
  • Self-punching or scratching
  • Needle sticking
  • Head banging
  • Eye pressing
  • Finger 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

Diagnosis

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

Treatment usually includes both psychological treatment and medications.
Psychological Treatment
This may be done in either a one-to-one or 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
Medications used include:
  • Anti-depressants
  • Anti-psychotics
Some patients may respond to drugs that block the effects of natural opioids (e.g., endorphin), resulting in an increased sensitivity to pain.

Prevention

The best preventative measure is to get help as soon as possible for an emotional difficulty, trauma, or disorder that may lead to Self-Mutilation.