Citation

Starr DL. J. Psychosoc. Nurs. Ment. Health Serv. 2004; 42(6): 32-40.

Affiliation

North Central Human Services, Gardner, Massachusetts, USA. starrd48@yahoo.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Healio)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

15237790

Abstract

Self-mutilating behavior is a symptom seen in both men and women with various psychiatric disorders, but the majority of those who self-mutilate are women with borderline personality disorder. This complex, maladaptive behavior is used by clients as a means of self-preservation and emotion regulation, and is often associated with childhood trauma. Clients who self-mutilate perceive they receive poor care in hospital emergency departments and are retraumatized by these experiences. Clinicians who understand the complexity and purposes of self-mutilating behavior are better able to provide clients with supportive, empathetic care.

Language: en