Citation

Tantam D, Whittaker J. Br. J. Psychiatry 1992; 161: 451-464.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.161.4.451

PMID

1393332

Abstract

At least 1 in 600 adults wound themselves sufficiently to need hospital treatment. More men than women do it, although more women receive psychological treatment. Many have a history of sexual or physical abuse. Self-wounding differs from other self-harm in being aimed neither at mutilation nor at death. Self-wounding coerces others and relieves personal distress. Repeated self-wounding is one criterion of borderline personality disorder but we prefer to consider it an 'addictive' behaviour rather than an expression of a wider disorder. Psychological management may need to be augmented by drug or social treatment. Carers, including professional carers, usually need help to contain the turbulence that self-wounding produces.

Language: en

Keywords

Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Personality Development; Personality Disorders; Prognosis; Psychotherapy; Self Mutilation; Self-Injurious Behavior; Suicide; Suicide Prevention