Citation

Gahr M, Freudenmann R, Schonfeldt-Lecuona C. Addiction 2011; 106(6): 1186-1187.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, University of Ulm, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1360-0443.2011.03393.x

PMID

21306599

Abstract

Background:  Non-suicidal self-injury in many different forms is a classic struggle for those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some common ways of NSSI are cutting, scratching and head banging. Case description:  A 23-year old woman with BPD presented in our clinic with a four month history of intravenous application of a liquid dosage form of nicotine that is generally use for nasal application. Accordingly the patient developed nicotine dependency (ICD-10 F17.25). Before her admission to our ward the daily intravenous nicotine application was around 33mg. The in-patient detoxification proceeded without a remarkable withdrawal syndrome. Conclusion:  A case of regular intravenous administration of nicotine has been observed apparently resulting in nicotine dependence in a person with borderline personality disorder. The original intent appears to have been self-harm.

Language: en