Self Mutilation in Adolescents

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SELF – MUTILATION IN ADOLESCENTS 3

Self- Mutilation in Adolescents

Self –injury is the act of deliberately harming one’s body. Such as cutting or burning yourself.

It is not meant as a suicide attempt. Rather self -injury is an unhealthy way to cope with emotional pain, intense anger and frustration. Because self – injury is often done on impulse, it may be considered an impulse control behavior problem.

The first article reviewed discussed diagnose and treatments of adolescents who self-mutilate.

The article states self-mutilation is complicated and difficult to diagnose. (Williams & Bydalek, 2007). Patients often live with this behavior for a long time before being diagnosis, as they have become good at hiding their behavior, by wearing long sleeves shirts, and pants even during hot weather. Making excuses for scars, bruises or cuts. Adolescents also hide this behavior due to fear and embarrassment. Parents of adolescents who self – mutilate, also maybe in denial, may experience fear child services may step in thinking their child is being abused.

The disorder often co exists with another disorder that requires psychotropic medications, the administration of which should be managed by psychiatric clinicians who specialize in children and adolescents. (William & Bydalek, 2007)

Self-mutilation is not a suicide attempt. Rather it is an act that is used to relieve inner feelings of emotional pain, tension, or anxiety. (Williams & Bydalek, 2007)

Causes

Researchers suggest that underlying mental disorders and abuse maybe underlying causes for self – mutilation. Past studies have suggested that there may be a genetic link to self-mutilation.

After obtaining DNA samples, Joyce (2006) reported a significant corr...

... middle of paper ...

.... Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204522587?accountid= 27965

Herpertz, S, Sass, H., & Favazza. A.R. (1997). Impulsivity in self – mutilate behavior:

Psychometric and biological findings. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 31,451-464.

Ross, S., & Heath, N. (2003), Two models of adolescent self – mutilation. Suicide and Life

Threatening Behavior, 33, 277-287.

Ross, S., & Nancy, L. H. (2003). Two models of adolescent self –mutilation. Suicide &

Life- Threatening Behavior, 33(3), 277- 87. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docreview/224893932?accountid=27965

Williams, K.A., & Bydalek, K. A. (2007). Adolescent self – Mutilation: Diagnosis & Treatment.

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services, 45(12), 19-23. Retrieved

From http:// search.proquest.com/do view/22532532?accountid=27965

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