Self-harm: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Self-harm | |||
| image = [[File:SelfHarm2017.jpg]] | |||
| caption = Scars on the forearm from [[self-inflicted wound|self-inflicted]] [[cutting (self-harm)|cutting]] | |||
| field = [[Psychiatry]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Self-injury]], [[self-mutilation]], [[self-inflicted violence]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Cutting]], [[burning]], [[scratching]], [[hitting]], [[interfering with wound healing]] | |||
| complications = [[Infection]], [[scarring]], [[tissue damage]], [[emotional distress]] | |||
| onset = Typically [[adolescence]] | |||
| duration = Can be [[episodic]] or [[chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Psychological stress]], [[trauma]], [[mental disorders]] such as [[depression]], [[anxiety]], [[borderline personality disorder]] | |||
| risks = [[Adolescence]], [[mental health disorders]], [[substance abuse]], [[history of trauma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical assessment]], [[psychological evaluation]] | |||
| differential = [[Suicide attempt]], [[body modification]], [[cultural practices]] | |||
| prevention = [[Therapy]], [[support groups]], [[coping strategies]] | |||
| treatment = [[Psychotherapy]], [[cognitive behavioral therapy]], [[medication]] | |||
| prognosis = Varies; can improve with treatment | |||
| frequency = Estimated 17-20% of adolescents, 5-10% of adults | |||
| deaths = Rarely directly fatal, but associated with increased risk of [[suicide]] | |||
}} | |||
'''Self-harm''', also known as '''self-injury''', is a behavioral health condition characterized by the intentional, direct damage to one's own body tissue, typically without suicidal intent. While often misunderstood as a suicide attempt, self-harm is more commonly used as a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotional distress, psychological trauma, or mental illness. It is a serious health concern that affects individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. | '''Self-harm''', also known as '''self-injury''', is a behavioral health condition characterized by the intentional, direct damage to one's own body tissue, typically without suicidal intent. While often misunderstood as a suicide attempt, self-harm is more commonly used as a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotional distress, psychological trauma, or mental illness. It is a serious health concern that affects individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds. | ||
[[File:Mild Self Harm 4.jpg|left|thumb|Self-inflicted minor cuts on the forearm, a common method of self-harm]] | |||
[[File:Mild Self Harm 4.jpg|thumb|Self-inflicted minor cuts on the forearm, a common method of self-harm]] | |||
== Definition and Terminology == | == Definition and Terminology == | ||
Self-harm refers to a broad spectrum of deliberate behaviors that cause physical injury to the body. These behaviors are not intended to result in death, though they may increase the risk of eventual suicide. Other commonly used terms include: | Self-harm refers to a broad spectrum of deliberate behaviors that cause physical injury to the body. These behaviors are not intended to result in death, though they may increase the risk of eventual suicide. Other commonly used terms include: | ||
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* '''Self-mutilation''' | * '''Self-mutilation''' | ||
* '''Cutting''' | * '''Cutting''' | ||
== Common Forms of Self-Harm == | == Common Forms of Self-Harm == | ||
Self-harming behaviors can vary widely and include: | Self-harming behaviors can vary widely and include: | ||
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* Ingesting harmful substances or foreign objects | * Ingesting harmful substances or foreign objects | ||
* Head banging or deliberately fracturing bones | * Head banging or deliberately fracturing bones | ||
While cutting is one of the most visible and recognized forms of self-harm, many individuals engage in multiple forms. | While cutting is one of the most visible and recognized forms of self-harm, many individuals engage in multiple forms. | ||
== Types and Motivations == | == Types and Motivations == | ||
The motivations behind self-harming behaviors are complex and multifaceted. Some common underlying factors include: | The motivations behind self-harming behaviors are complex and multifaceted. Some common underlying factors include: | ||
| Line 30: | Line 46: | ||
* **Dissociation**: Self-harm may serve as a means to "feel something" during periods of emotional numbness or detachment. | * **Dissociation**: Self-harm may serve as a means to "feel something" during periods of emotional numbness or detachment. | ||
* **Self-punishment**: Feelings of guilt or self-loathing may lead to harming oneself as a form of perceived atonement. | * **Self-punishment**: Feelings of guilt or self-loathing may lead to harming oneself as a form of perceived atonement. | ||
Self-harm is also more prevalent among individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as: | Self-harm is also more prevalent among individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as: | ||
* [[Borderline personality disorder]] | * [[Borderline personality disorder]] | ||
| Line 38: | Line 53: | ||
* [[Eating disorders]] | * [[Eating disorders]] | ||
* [[Autism spectrum disorder]] | * [[Autism spectrum disorder]] | ||
== Diagnosis and Assessment == | == Diagnosis and Assessment == | ||
Diagnosis is typically made through clinical interviews and physical examinations. Healthcare providers will assess: | Diagnosis is typically made through clinical interviews and physical examinations. Healthcare providers will assess: | ||
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* Risk factors for suicide or suicidal ideation | * Risk factors for suicide or suicidal ideation | ||
* Triggers, thought patterns, and emotional responses leading to self-harm | * Triggers, thought patterns, and emotional responses leading to self-harm | ||
While self-harm is not a diagnosis in itself, it may be classified under "Non-Suicidal Self-Injury" (NSSI) in the DSM-5 under the section for conditions requiring further study. | While self-harm is not a diagnosis in itself, it may be classified under "Non-Suicidal Self-Injury" (NSSI) in the DSM-5 under the section for conditions requiring further study. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Effective treatment for self-harm focuses on addressing both the behavior itself and the underlying emotional or psychological distress. Approaches may include: | Effective treatment for self-harm focuses on addressing both the behavior itself and the underlying emotional or psychological distress. Approaches may include: | ||
=== Psychotherapy === | === Psychotherapy === | ||
* '''[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)''': Helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns that lead to self-harm. | * '''[[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] (CBT)''': Helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns that lead to self-harm. | ||
* '''[[Dialectical behavior therapy]] (DBT)''': Particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Teaches skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. | * '''[[Dialectical behavior therapy]] (DBT)''': Particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Teaches skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. | ||
* '''Trauma-informed therapy''': Addresses past trauma or abuse that may underlie self-harming behaviors. | * '''Trauma-informed therapy''': Addresses past trauma or abuse that may underlie self-harming behaviors. | ||
=== Medication === | === Medication === | ||
While there is no medication specifically for self-harm, psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. | While there is no medication specifically for self-harm, psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety. | ||
=== Supportive Interventions === | === Supportive Interventions === | ||
* Family therapy | * Family therapy | ||
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* Peer support programs | * Peer support programs | ||
* School-based counseling | * School-based counseling | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
With early intervention and proper support, many individuals can overcome the urge to self-harm. However, because the behavior can become habitual, it often requires sustained therapy and relapse prevention strategies. The prognosis improves when individuals have access to compassionate care, coping skills, and a strong support network. | With early intervention and proper support, many individuals can overcome the urge to self-harm. However, because the behavior can become habitual, it often requires sustained therapy and relapse prevention strategies. The prognosis improves when individuals have access to compassionate care, coping skills, and a strong support network. | ||
Self-harm increases the risk of accidental injury and suicidal behavior, making ongoing monitoring essential. Healing typically involves learning to manage emotions more adaptively, developing self-compassion, and addressing past trauma. | Self-harm increases the risk of accidental injury and suicidal behavior, making ongoing monitoring essential. Healing typically involves learning to manage emotions more adaptively, developing self-compassion, and addressing past trauma. | ||
== Prevention == | == Prevention == | ||
Prevention strategies involve identifying at-risk individuals and providing early access to mental health care. Preventive measures may include: | Prevention strategies involve identifying at-risk individuals and providing early access to mental health care. Preventive measures may include: | ||
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* Encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being | * Encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being | ||
* Reducing stigma around mental health and self-harm | * Reducing stigma around mental health and self-harm | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] | * [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]] | ||
| Line 85: | Line 90: | ||
* [[Suicide prevention]] | * [[Suicide prevention]] | ||
* [[Mental health]] | * [[Mental health]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Mental health]] | [[Category:Mental health]] | ||
[[Category:Psychiatry]] | [[Category:Psychiatry]] | ||
Revision as of 18:22, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Self-harm | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Self-injury, self-mutilation, self-inflicted violence |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, interfering with wound healing |
| Complications | Infection, scarring, tissue damage, emotional distress |
| Onset | Typically adolescence |
| Duration | Can be episodic or chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Psychological stress, trauma, mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder |
| Risks | Adolescence, mental health disorders, substance abuse, history of trauma |
| Diagnosis | Clinical assessment, psychological evaluation |
| Differential diagnosis | Suicide attempt, body modification, cultural practices |
| Prevention | Therapy, support groups, coping strategies |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, medication |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Varies; can improve with treatment |
| Frequency | Estimated 17-20% of adolescents, 5-10% of adults |
| Deaths | Rarely directly fatal, but associated with increased risk of suicide |
Self-harm, also known as self-injury, is a behavioral health condition characterized by the intentional, direct damage to one's own body tissue, typically without suicidal intent. While often misunderstood as a suicide attempt, self-harm is more commonly used as a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming emotional distress, psychological trauma, or mental illness. It is a serious health concern that affects individuals across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.
Definition and Terminology
Self-harm refers to a broad spectrum of deliberate behaviors that cause physical injury to the body. These behaviors are not intended to result in death, though they may increase the risk of eventual suicide. Other commonly used terms include:
- Self-injury
- Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
- Self-mutilation
- Cutting
Common Forms of Self-Harm
Self-harming behaviors can vary widely and include:
- Cutting or carving the skin, often with razors or knives
- Burning the skin with cigarettes, lighters, or heated objects
- Scratching or picking at wounds to prevent healing
- Hitting or punching oneself
- Biting oneself
- Pulling out hair (see Trichotillomania)
- Ingesting harmful substances or foreign objects
- Head banging or deliberately fracturing bones
While cutting is one of the most visible and recognized forms of self-harm, many individuals engage in multiple forms.
Types and Motivations
The motivations behind self-harming behaviors are complex and multifaceted. Some common underlying factors include:
- **Emotional regulation**: Individuals often describe self-harm as a way to alleviate intense emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, or numbness.
- **Trauma and abuse**: A history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse is frequently reported among those who self-injure.
- **Expression of emotional pain**: For some, self-harm is a way to externalize internal suffering that they cannot otherwise express.
- **Dissociation**: Self-harm may serve as a means to "feel something" during periods of emotional numbness or detachment.
- **Self-punishment**: Feelings of guilt or self-loathing may lead to harming oneself as a form of perceived atonement.
Self-harm is also more prevalent among individuals with certain psychiatric conditions, such as:
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- PTSD
- Eating disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder
Diagnosis and Assessment
Diagnosis is typically made through clinical interviews and physical examinations. Healthcare providers will assess:
- The frequency, methods, and severity of self-injurious behavior
- Co-occurring mental health conditions
- Risk factors for suicide or suicidal ideation
- Triggers, thought patterns, and emotional responses leading to self-harm
While self-harm is not a diagnosis in itself, it may be classified under "Non-Suicidal Self-Injury" (NSSI) in the DSM-5 under the section for conditions requiring further study.
Treatment
Effective treatment for self-harm focuses on addressing both the behavior itself and the underlying emotional or psychological distress. Approaches may include:
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and modify negative thought patterns that lead to self-harm.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): Particularly effective for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Teaches skills in distress tolerance, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness.
- Trauma-informed therapy: Addresses past trauma or abuse that may underlie self-harming behaviors.
Medication
While there is no medication specifically for self-harm, psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or antipsychotics may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.
Supportive Interventions
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Peer support programs
- School-based counseling
Prognosis
With early intervention and proper support, many individuals can overcome the urge to self-harm. However, because the behavior can become habitual, it often requires sustained therapy and relapse prevention strategies. The prognosis improves when individuals have access to compassionate care, coping skills, and a strong support network. Self-harm increases the risk of accidental injury and suicidal behavior, making ongoing monitoring essential. Healing typically involves learning to manage emotions more adaptively, developing self-compassion, and addressing past trauma.
Prevention
Prevention strategies involve identifying at-risk individuals and providing early access to mental health care. Preventive measures may include:
- Mental health education in schools
- Training teachers and parents to recognize warning signs
- Encouraging open conversations about emotional well-being
- Reducing stigma around mental health and self-harm
See Also
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Borderline personality disorder
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Suicide prevention
- Mental health
References
<references />
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| Borderline personality disorder | ||||||||||
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