Description
Defined as a self-inflicted injury. The most common injuries are: cutting, burning, picking, hair pulling, biting, hitting and bone breaking. The disorder is seen most often in the following groups: adolescent females, people with past abuse, those with substance abuse, people with poor coping skills, and those with poor social support. Self-injury most often occurs when feelings overwhelm the patient and are an expression of relief.
Symptoms
Frequent cuts, unexplained burns, self-punching or scratching, needle sticking, head banging, eye pressing, finger or arm biting, pulling out one's hair, picking at one's skin.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Psychological evaluation will be conducted. Tests to rule out other ingestions or damage done by the behavior may be done.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Aspirin level, acetminophen level
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Psychological evaluation will be conducted. Tests to rule out other ingestions or damage done by the behavior may be done.
Tests:
Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Other Specific Tests: Aspirin level, acetminophen level
Specialists:
Psychiatry
Treatment
The specific self-inflicted injury will be repaired. Treatment includes: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, psychotherapy, family therapy, group therapy, and/or cognitive behavioral therapy.